Plane Crazy

On August 15th Georgia & I went to Mojave "Spaceport" to see what their monthly "Plane Crazy" day was all about. Essentially, it is a chance for airplane owners to show off their toys, meet with fellow aviation enthusiasts, network a bit, and help raise funds for the Mojave museum of Transportation. This month they were featuring some air race contenders, like the hot little number at left, "NEMESIS" built by John Sharp. It looks like it is already going 200 just parked on the ramp! Also, XCOR had a couple of their Rocket powered aircraft out, (see the picture below) and a cute little Cassutt based Formula one class named "Wasabi" (After the green Japanese ultra-hot horseradish sauce) With the Reno races coming up soon, it will be interesting to see how these do.

Also on display were a F-86 "Saber", and a MiG-15. I can remember a time when if either of these got this close to each other there would be shots fired. I kept thinking they should have parked them nose to nose, sort of a reminder of when things were a bit more serious.

As for life at Tehachapi, We have one big job in the hangar, and two students to finish off now. The trip to Israel has been pushed back till June 2010, but the price is fixed, and it is quite reasonable too! Special "early bird" rated if you reserve before November.

New Pilot

"On Wednesday the 5th day of August 2009, Dr. Jon Anthony Smith, did, alone and unassisted take off and land from Tehachapi Municipal Airport (KTSP), thus completing his first SOLO flight." or so the SOLO certificate reads. Dr. Smith is now officially among us in the ranks of aviators. Another pilot now, and the fun begins as we start the next phase of training.
Also on the 5th, I had to put on my DAR hat and issue a "Special Flight Permit". A lot of people do not know that a DAR can issue these, even on weekends! So it was a busy day. including a flight to San Diego, all in all 4 1/2 hours flying.
On Monday the 10th I will be answering my phone "Mountain Hawk Aviation", something that has not been heard for the past three years. it is time to bring the bird back to life.