Florida Cub Flyers

Copyright 2013 - Newsletter Editor:
RICHARD HAYS, [email protected]
- “The Adventures of Yellow Bird – Part Three”
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- Maule Tailwheel on Cubs
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- Cubs Dampened at Expo
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- Indiantown Fly-in a Cub Success
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- Coming Attractions
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The Adventures of Yellow Bird – Part Three
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Finally ---- heading out
Like Ernest Hemmingway in days gone by, we used the historic Norfolk Hotel (now operated by
the Fairmont) as our base.
The outside bar at the time
had scars from gun fire during
the coup attempt in 1982.
(Should you go to Nairobi I
suggest you avoid the tourist
mill at the Hilton or other
similar places.)
Once we
started our tour we would
return to Nairobi on most
Fridays. During the week
when we were gone, the
Norfolk would have laundered
the clothes we left the previous Friday. On Saturday mornings we would be on our way to
another section of Kenya or Tanzania. At the time Shell aviation fuel was available out of a
pump in only three places; Nairobi, Mombasa, and Melindi. When you consider Kenya is about
the size of Texas our long range tanks were a must. On occasion we were able to purchase fuel
out of private stocks. We made good use of our funnel and chamois.
August 6th was our big day. My test flight went well except for needing a little brake fluid.
After lunch at the Aero Club, we made the bureaucratic rounds, Customs, Immigration and the
tower to file a fight plan. They would stamp, stamp, stamp and we would pay, pay, pay. As to
the flight plan, it made no sense at all as there was no way to close it. It was all about the US
dollar. We finally took off at 1:30 and flew 2 hours to Kilaguni Lodge in Tsavo National Park.
As we flew along we saw zebra, ostrich, giraffe, elephant, impala and animals we had yet to learn
the names of. Upon landing, we cause quite a stir and are covered up with natives who came
out to take a look.
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The next day on the way to Voi we landed at a small village near the border with Tanzania after
first buzzing to get the cattle off the strip. So many natives came running out that it made us
uneasy. Then Marilyn was chewed out in Swahili when she produced her camera. We got
back in the Cub and they backed away when I started the engine. We were happy to be out of
there ----- obviously we had a lot to learn about flying in Africa.
Again we landed on our way to Voi, this time at beautiful Taita Hills Lodge with its manicured
grass strip. Everyone was very friendly, so we stayed for an excellent buffet. We gave out a
few Yellow Bird pins and a cap to the head guy. When we got to Voi there were two giraffes
smack dab in the middle of the runway. I put an eye level buzz job on them and they were not
the least bit phased, so I came around and landed short. The Voi airstrip is where Karen von
Blixen’s lover, Denys Finch Hatton, was killed in his Gypsy Moth in 1931, along with his servant
Kamau. Blixen whose pen name was Isak Dinesen wrote the book “Out of Africa” which was
later made into the movie that got our adventure going.
Game camps are most always
built adjacent to water holes,
as this is where the action is.
While sitting in the bar tent in
the afternoon, we would see
just about every type of
creature in Africa, some very
entertaining, like the baboons,
busy flea picking, scratching,
and drinking, while their little
ones were pushing, shoving,
playing tag and having a
wonderful time.
The two
peaks of Kilimanjaro would usually appear above the clouds at sunset. Our first night out we
shared a table with a couple from New York, which occasions became the norm. One night after
dinner, I wanted to check on the plane but was stopped by a guard. He said two lions had killed
a buffalo in that area the week before ---- so much for the Cub check. If you want to see what
stars really look like go to Africa. The reason I am able to write in such detail about this long
ago experience is that Marilyn kept a daily journal, without which these stories would not be
possible.
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Some of the camps had photo hides where they have a tunnel that come up right at the water
hole, with a low pillbox structure
with bars so the wild beast could
not get to you and vice versa.
You could almost reach out and
touch the animals.
Other times
when on game drives in an open
Land Rover, we would park within a
few feet of a pride of lions that
paid no attention to us.
The
picture of Marilyn standing downwind near a rhino did not seem too
daring at the time. We had been
told they have very bad eye sight and any way she was sort of behind a bush. In reality I think
they are around so many tourists they are more like cattle.
One day while flying from Lake Turkana, which is partly in Ethiopia, to Cotter’s Camp in the
Masai Mara, we encountered our first major thunderstorm. Keep in mind this was before GPS
and the only VOR in Kenya was at the Nairobi International Airport and of no use to us. Kenya
had few roads and almost no rivers. Now and then we would spot a small village, most of which
were not on our charts. In preparation I had acquired the best maps I could find, most not even
printed for aviation use. Just like in the old days I would draw a line on my map and mark the
heading and time we would pass by some sort of recognizable feature. So far this method had
worked fairly well, even though there were some blank sections marked uncharted. Our flux
gate compass was very accurate and did not jump around so holding a course was not a problem.
To avoid the cells with their heavy rain and lightning, I deviated off my line then would make an
effort to get back on track. After making several deviations, I had to confess to Marilyn that I
was lost. Fuel was not a factor but darkness would eventually present a problem. Although I
did not tell Marilyn at the time, if necessary I would have most likely landed in a dry riverbed,
taxied to higher ground and spent the night sitting in the plane, with who knows what sniffing
around outside. Doesn’t sound like much fun does it?
Eventually I was able to talk to Cotters on my VHF radio, but having no direction finder (big
mistake), I had no idea where they were. Due to the strength of their signal (they were using
a hand held) I assumed them to be close by. One of Marilyn’s many talents is spotting landing
strips, which in this case she did. It had one East/West grass runway with a small parking
area on the south side of the West end. I contacted Cotter’s and described the runway. They
came back and said they knew exactly where I was and if we would take up a heading of 35
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degrees in about fifteen miles I should see their strip. By now we were dealing with it getting
dark with heavy rain and lightning here and there. I came around and took up the 35 degrees,
but again to avoid the bad stuff I started deviating. After being gone for just a few minutes
this message came over my headset from the back seat, “I want on the ground NOW”. In an
effort to keep peace in the family and stay alive, I did a 180. Now we had to find the strip
again. I called Cotter’s and said we would not be heading their way. With luck and Marilyn’s
talent, we spotted the field again. To add to the adventure there was a pride of lions taking it
easy on the east end of the strip. We landed over them and taxed down the parking area.
Marilyn stayed in the Cub to keep the controls from flapping around while I chocked the wheels
with rocks and tried to tie us down. My screw in tie down kit was of no use as the ground was
like concrete. I ended up putting the screws on their sides and stacking up a pile of rocks.
By now I was soaking wet and cold as this part of Kenya is at 6,000 feet.
About the time I
had done the best I could with the plane, a van pulled up. Besides the driver there was a family
from Italy, husband and wife with two girls.
No one spoke English.
They took us to
Governors Camp where they were staying.
It turned out we were booked into their sister
camp, Little Governors, in a couple days. At Governors they told us they were full. They got
on their radio and checked with their other camp and were told to bring us on over.
We piled in a Land Rover with the driver and off we went cross country in the rain, slip sliding
this way and that.
I don’t know how we kept from getting stuck. Eventually we came to a
river and he stopped and let us out with our two small bags. He pointed down the river bank
and drove off. At least it had stopped raining. There was just enough light for us to see a
trail leading down to the water.
As we rounded a bend we could see
a cable stretching from one bank to
the other.
Marilyn turned to me
with a most unusual look on her face
and said unh, unh. For a moment
she thought we were going to have
to do some sort of commando style
hand over hand stunt. As it turned
out, they had a guard with a rifle in
a small boat waiting for us.
When we entered the reception tent
a young man came forward to greet us. Although we did not know him, he was wearing one of
our embroidered Yellow Bird caps. He happened to have been in the reception tent when the
request for putting us up came over the radio. He was one of the balloon pilots at the camp
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and occasionally went to Nairobi to work on his fixed wing license. Our friend Denise, the flying
school lady, was his instructor and had given him the cap I had given her. When you talk about
dumb luck this was an extreme example. Little Governors was also full, but Mark Lismore, our
new balloon pilot friend, insisted we stay in his rondoval (a round native type dwelling with a
thatched roof). He would move in with one of the other pilots.
We were told to stay put and he would come back and get us in a bit. Now it was raining again.
When we walked into his two room lodging he had a fire going, music playing and his king sized
bed freshly remade with satin sheets! Like I have said, pilots, regardless of what they fly are a
wonderful bunch. During our stay we ate with the staff. Mark insisted we go for a balloon
ride for which there would be no charge. At that time the early morning balloon outing with
breakfast on the Serengeti Plain was $250 a person.
What an experience. The day after
our arrival at Little Governors, Mark and I moved the Cub to the strip right behind the camp.
Sometime later, Mark who was from England came to the States to visit us.
Next Time - Part 4, Tanzania
Maule Tailwheels
by Larry Robinson
There is an alternative to Scott Tailwheels for your Cub. If you've ever purchased parts to
rebuild a Scott, you know the "sticker shock" associated with those parts. If anything major
needs to be replaced, you might want to consider a Maule as a replacement.
I've had good luck with these tailwheels over the decades, replacement parts are inexpensive,
and the design of the tailwheel is simple. Included herein is an approval list for the various
Piper Cubs.
(NOTE: PMA number is PQ1017CE)
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Cubs Dampened at Expo
January 17 dawned a gray and wet day for much of South Florida with fog and mist abounding.
About 20 Cubs were to assemble in two sites and then fly in to the Sport Plane Expo in Sebring
to be honored guests at the “Year of the Cub.” However, the foggy weather cut that number to
about a dozen and not all of them entered with the main group. However, as always, the hearty
survivors enjoyed the Cub company and the joy of the flight challenge. But, most of us had to
leave before the full experience as we watched the WX deteriorate back at our home ports.
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Indiantown Fly-in a Cub Success
The Dawsons, once again, hosted a great fly-in at X58 on January 19. Lots of Cubs came for the
great food and the wonderful company.
The group got a briefing on the great fly-ins ahead this season by Larry Robinson and Gary
Lickle. Keep ‘em flying.
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OFFC
If you need a flying fix between our regular functions, you may join the
OFFC at no charge. These "Dutch Treat" lunches occur periodically and
are usually announced with a few days notice as this is a very loosely
organized group. No affirmative RSVPs necessary but it would be good
to know if you are planning to join us. The most recent function
occurred at Okeechobee Airport at The Runway Cafe and was VERY WELL
attended. In fact, we completely filled the outdoor patio with OFFC
members. Unfortunately we don't have an official photographer to
document these events but this was captured of a few of the members in
attendance. You'll notice one thing they have in common. If you want to
know what OFFC stands for, let me know you'd like to be included on the
meeting notice email list and come to a meeting and see if you want to
join us. There is always a ton of good tales being spun at these gatherings. Some are even
true!?
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Coming Attractions for FCF
LAKE O SHOW
In keeping with the tradition of the last several
years, this year's adventure will occur in February
and concentrate on an aerial sightseeing tour of
features completed and underway around Lake
Okeechobee to help clean up the drainage runoff
water capable of polluting our natural resources.
We'll meet at the north end of Lake Okeechobee for
an early breakfast, refueling and pre-flight briefing
of what we'll be seeing during our trek south. A
written guide will be distributed prior to lifting.
Our destination will be Clewiston (Air Glades
Airport) where we'll tie down for the overnight.
The afternoon will be consumed with a sugar cane
harvest tour before we check in at the historic
Clewiston Inn for the overnight stay. You will
receive your personal invitation to this exclusive
function via email. It is being designed and
executed for the members of the Florida Antique
Biplane Association, Inc. and Florida Cub Flyers, Inc. We'll need to get an accurate head count
for this function, so let me know if you intend to attend.
AND MORE COMING ---
In March we are invited to Lake Clinch and in April will, again, have the opportunity for an overnighter at the Quail Creek Plantation. You will get detailed invitations as the times approach.
See you then!
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FLORIDA CUB FLYERS
DDIISSCCLLAAIIM
MEERR NNOOTTIICCEE &
&M
MIISSSSIIOONN SSTTAATTEEM
MEENNTT::
All information contained herein is believed to be correct. However, it is intended to be for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon. You
are reminded that Federal Air Regulations Part 91 places primary responsibility for ensuring the airworthy condition of an aircraft on the owner or
operator. Any person who maintains, modified or otherwise changes an aircraft must do so in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and all
applicable FAA regulations. You should independently verify any of the information contained herein. No warranty is expressed or implied.
The Florida Cub Flyers, Inc. does not project or accept any responsibility for participation by readers of the “Cub Tales”, non members or members at flyins listed in this issue. This publication is produced as a medium of communication for those Cub enthusiasts and members of The Florida Cub Flyers, Inc.
The Florida Cub Flyers, Inc. is a 501C6 corporation incorporated in the State of Florida. It’s purpose is to promote the preservation, restoration and
safety of flying Cub aeroplanes. Membership in FCF,Inc. is open to all “Cub” owners, whether or not the airplane is airworthy. A Cub is defined as an
aeroplane with the word “Cub” in the official name.
EE--M
Maaiill DDiissccllaaiimmeerr
The FCF newsletter and meeting notices are distributed via e-mail on the Internet. These transmissions contain information,
which is intended for the sole use of the recipient or authorized representative. Any person who receives these e-mails by
mistake shall immediately notify the sender and destroy it. E-mail transmissions cannot be guaranteed to be error-free as
information could be intercepted, altered, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not accept any liability for damages
caused by the fraudulent alteration of this message including, without limitations, damages caused by any virus transmitted by it.
FCF MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
NAME:_____________________________________________
ADDRESS:___________________________________________
CITY: _____________________COUNTY:______________ STATE:_______ ZIP
CODE:____________PHONE:_(_____)____________________________________
E-MAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________
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OCCUPATION : (If Retired, From What?)______________________
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For Regular Membership-Must Be A Cub
IS THE AIRCRAFT LICENSED?: ______ “N” NUMBER:___________
NAME & MODEL CUB TO APPEAR ON YOUR NAME BADGE:
__________________________________________________
MY SPONSOR:________________________________________
MEMBERSHIP DUES:
$48.00 PER YEAR PAYABLE TO FLORIDA CUB FLYERS, INC.
SECOND YEAR’S DUES ARE PRO-
RATED IF YOU JOIN DURING THE YEAR.
SEND CHECK & APPLICATION TO:
FLORIDA CUB FLYERS, INC.
10906 Denoeu Road-Boynton Beach, Florida 33472
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FCF LEADERSHIP 2012 - 2013
DDIIRREECCTTOORRSS//OOFFFFIICCEERRSS
Carl Miller – President
72-713-8001
[email protected]
Glenn Frith-Secretary/Treasurer
239-340 2077
[email protected]
Sarah Tyler – Vice President
954-8094840
[email protected]
Jessica Sterns - Immediate Past President
321-258-9985
[email protected]
Larry Robinson-Executive Director
561-732-3250
[email protected]
Richard Hays – Newsletter Editor
941-724-0861
[email protected]
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