Once upon a time, on a small airport, at sun rise,
no where near a stormy night, or near a land far far away, started a
trek, of two small birds with visions of oshkosh airplanes bouncing in
their heads. The birds, (just for character development reasons),
were a 2002 FFP Youngster "V", and a 97 VP-1. Both powered by
1835cc VW engines, and built of some of the noblest of spruce trees,
honored to be converted into the birds of which I write. Yearly
birds of spruce feel a call to head up stream to join in a mass reunion
of sorts, with many other converted trees. There is also a
gathering of various ore (rock) based and "composite" (fiberglass also
derived from a rock) birds of great mass, that try to shun our birds of
cellulose. Proudly our small heroes stand, and are viewed with
great awe, as their keepers continue to polish them, and speak proudly
of their opportunity to keep them at their best.
For the keeper of the VP, this was the first
opportunity to proudly escort his bird through the many flocks that
gather. He had never imagined such a gathering! The keeper
of the Youngster, though a veteran of many pilgrimages, carried his own
cloud nine to support his burgeoning pride as he rode his charge past
the masses of other keepers of proud birds. Once the parade has
ended, the keepers lovingly nest their birds, for the week.
Then a very strange trait arises among keepers.
They disturbingly wonder amongst other birds!? They study them,
they watch them, admire them and often the keepers shamelessly gather
in small groups. The birds can only imagine the worst!
Once, one sly bird appearing asleep, was able to over hear with
great relief, the keepers banter. Every keeper at the gathering
would barely let the other keepers speak! What ever was said
braggingly about one's bird by one keeper, was always topped by the
next. Nothing but extreme loyalty!? But why then do they
look!? Wait a minute! I think we've struck a note here. . .
. .Dear?
Boy would it be a quiet trip on they way home!?
Only many hours of polishing and doting once home will quell the
green eyed monster the keeper's bird has become. Some birds,
quite out of control, protest and fight the whole trip home.
Shameless tantrums by some forcing the keeper to delay the
progress to administer a settling dose of attention! Time and
time again.
Once home, there may be quiet for a while, but the
keeper, every moment, ponders how best to seal a long term remedy.
Polishing and tweaking, the keeper spends his days, as again
thoughts of the next migration glimmers in his mind. Please,
don't tell. .. . . ..
out DTO Sulphur OK, Cleveland OK, Chanute KS, Lee's Summit KS,
Trenton KS, Ottumwa IA, Marion IA, Platteville WI, Portage WI, Oshkosh
WI
Return Oshkosh, Morey WI, Platteville WI, Marion IA, Ottumwa IA,
Trenton MO, Excelsior Springs MO, Gardner KS, Skiatook OK, Shawnee OK,
Sulphur OK, Gainesville TX, Home.
Early on the 28th, My wing man, Keith Schindler, and I taxied to our
respective runways at our respective airports and took off for
what would be a VERY long day, or two. Hoping to have a decent
tail
wind, and good range, we saw a small window of opportunity to actually
make
Oshkosh in a single day. As we took to the skies, we saw a
initial
ground speed of over 90 mph! Not as high has hoped, but still
encouraging. The early morning is cool, and still, with the winds
aloft helping us
along. Most airports planned for fuel, were picked to have Auto
fuel,
and self serve pumps. Only about half of the stops had auto fuel.
A
major benefit for our little VW power plants. Sulphur Oklahoma
was not one
of
them. However the 100LL was reasonably priced compared to some
other
stops.
Fueling at Sulphur, we had our first wake up call for the
day. It seems my wing man is burning a bit more fuel than I.
Somewhere near a gallon extra burn per
hour, combined with his inability to carry as much fuel as I, will
probably challenge
our travel today. Airborne again, heading north, we head for
Cleveland
OK. Straight west of Tulsa, and about 130 miles from this stop.
Our
ground speed averages just over 80 mph for the leg. The
stop
at Cleveland, brought us to the realization that our planned stops may
not
hold the test
of
flight. Keith once had to dip deeply into his VFR reserve.
We would not stretch it again. Winds at this point, at our
comfortable
cruise altitude were pretty useless to our needs. Just short of
our next planned stop at Iola KS, we realized that it would not be
prudent to continue.
I then push the "GO TO NEAREST" button on my GPS, and we divert to
Chanute
KS. These fellows treated us like we were flying Lear Jets!?
They even were able to get us our preferred Auto fuel, and ice
cream!.
Winds on departure now are being a detriment to
our progress. Ground speeds dipping into the 60's we had to plan
legs for the remainder of the day to target around 80 to 90 miles!
The only relief
came in the realization that we could not make Oshkosh that day, so
we'd
be able to relax and enjoy the slow view of the country side. At
cruise. no
consideration
was given for the most part as to who was lead aircraft, and generally
during
a leg, each airplane would find a weight distribution that would give
it
a better speed than the other. Generally we were within 100
yards
of each other and not much said. Open cockpit airplanes in the
best
of situations, are not a good place for conversation.
Our airplanes have very similar engine set ups, and
this trip was not only a trip to Mecca, but a test by fire of the wind
generator system I had developed. Our only ignition on board is
strictly VW. The
very Bosch 009 distributor, points, condensers, and Coil used in the
air
cooled beetles. It all is powered by a small motorcycle
battery
behind
or under the seat. This set up is fine for local flying, but for
a
900 mile cross country? . This generator system was performing
flawlessly!
Battery voltage was held to 12.8 or more volts. No reason
to pull the battery everyday to charge, just come back out in the
morning, and throw the prop! An additional load on our batteries
on this trip was a fuel transfer pump that allowed us to extend our
legs a bit. I was able to hook my GPS, and ICom hand held into
the system also, with good results.
Continuing along our way north we set the goal at
Lee's Summit, in the south east part of Kansas city. Celebrating
along that way the passing of a train only to see it was heading the
opposite direction!? One merciful advantage of our route is that
we were rarely near any major highway to observe even the smallest of
vehicles passing us on a whim. So our vista's were limited to the
beginning of the rolling hills and farm land. It is beautiful,
but I'd rather be shooting past it so I can spend more time, viewing
airplanes! New concerns, however, are starting
in my mind about the ability to get far enough along on this day to
still
achieve Oshkosh before the airport is closed at 1500 the next afternoon
for
the day's airshow. We're again pressing our cruise speeds, and
turn
times at fueling stations.
As the sun is heading toward the horizon, we are
helped out by the laying of the surface winds, and turbulence is now
pretty much at a minimum. We are merely at about half way.
Throttles forward. This
leg will take us to Trenton missouri. Airport information listed
for
this field says we'll have to contact the local fire department to have
them
unlock the pumps for us. We call a head to assure the process
will
work and then head north in the airplanes.
Arriving at the Trenton airport just over about an
hour
and a half later, we find neither of our cell phones are able to go
digital,
and nobody on site has a quarter. Setting things to analog roam
the
call goes through, (cha ching!) and we run the balance beam between,
urgent,
"I need you ASAP", and polite "do you realize how important it is to
us?"
Though it seemed forever, the fire truck rumbled around the
corner
and gave us what we were desperate for. About 4 or so gallons
each.
I'm sure he's still thinking it was a waist of time for him.
We're
headed north and focused on Ottumwa Iowa.
We're now racing towards a town with no plans, no
reservations,
and no idea! Part of the adventure here is not knowing where the
night
will be spent. We couldn't plan that far ahead, since the goal
was
Oshkosh. I did however call all the planned airports along the
way
after Kansas City that I considered would by probable overnights.
This is not
one
of those towns. The route was flown at rather low altitude,
enjoying
the still surface winds. This was probably one of the most
memorable.
With the sun nearly set, the colors were vivid, and the contour
enhanced.
I caught two glimpses of local wildlife that could only be found
on
post cards with staged and stuffed animals! Several wild turkeys
scurried
through the brush, undoubtedly running from this noisy one. Then
just
over the next hill in a clearing stood a very large Buck Deer!
His
head held high, with his rather large chest squarely reflecting the
setting
sun. Very proud, but wise enough with age to know any bird larger
than
he, is worth running from! He disappeared into the trees.
Ottumwa Industrial is a very large airport,
with what
appeared
to be very small airplanes. Entering downwind for the active
runway
I realize we are barely outside the local Radio control field.
Both
planes swallowed up by the huge plate of concrete, we taxied to the
terminal
area. We were told that tie downs, fuel and lodging was
available.
Aircraft stowed and fueled for the night, my wing man spent a bit
of
extra time producing a custom canopy cover for the evening.
Custom
canopy covers by Hefty! Trash bags that is! The exhaustion
of
the day, really never hits you until you slowly driving towards
supper,
and the hotel. As the adrenaline, and endorphins wane, a mere
blank
stare
is about all is left. Early morn departure looms to keep us on
schedule.
Up at sunrise we are greeted with the worst
prospect
for a departure that can be had for our mounts. Watching a duck
walk
by, tapping a white stick was what clinched it. The fog was too
thick for our VVA's, (very VFR airplanes!) We're in a
holding
pattern sitting on our duffs that would last nearly three hours.
This
time was spent pacing, and planning for the day ahead. We would
have
a minimum of three further fuel stops, and still the need to arrive at
Oshkosh
before 1500. Also looking over our airplanes, I see that the toe
in
on my airplane is taking a major toll on my tires. An added
concern
to watch on each landing, hoping for grass. Ceilings are lifting
a
bit, blue is seen in the breaks, time to get started. Marion IA
is
the plan.
Hugging the ground with each bird independently
searching
for any obstruction that may encroach. All towers are called out
even
if obvious. Keith's help here is essential as the view out the
front
of my windscreen is complicated by the cabane structure and I am often
heads
down programing and checking options on the GPS. A calm pretty
morning,
and the haze rises to a scant puffy or two. Marion airport is the
perfect
rural airport with both hard surface and grass options. We again
score
our needed fuel, (auto) and run to the nearest wall chart. It's 1030
and
time is pressing and we're one state away, and it looks like two more
stops,
Platteville WI is next.
This leg takes us across the antitheses of Texas.
The
view from our only slightly lofted wooden adirondack chairs reveal
deep,
rich green crops atop the many rolling hills. Each farm house
with
it's barn and silo, would make the perfect post card from the region.
Each
field seems to have been staggered with different grains, and grasses
to
reveal a pattern such as the stripes on our flag makes as it blows in
the
wind. The main difference in these postcard views is that they
come
with the smells! The grains, fresh cut grass, plowed dirt, and
yes
even the most fragrant of dairy farms!
Here we are well over 800 miles from home, just
north
of Dubuque IA. We pretty much instinctively climb to near 2000
feet
as we approach the shore of the Mighty, Muddy, Massive,
Mississippi
River where Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa meet. I look down over
my
left shoulder to check on my wing man. Seems rather significant
to
see that yellow and blue VP-1 so far from home, crossing a the north
end
of such a significant land mark. I know these birds were probably
not
designed for such an adventure, but the engines and airframes cover
them aptly,
still one mile at a time, ignorant of any limitation. We pass
over
the top of Platteville to check the wind sock, a quick right turn to
the
proper
runway, and we're at the pumps.
One more fuel stop is required to assure we have
enough
fuel to fly the VFR approach into Oshkosh. Not a situation where
you
have anything else to concern yourself with but flying the airplane,
and
looking for traffic. We head to Portage WI. In route to
Portage we saw a completely different landscape. Though I think
they would only classify as hills, they were impressive when they rose
with rock faces above the altitude we were cruising. I'd called
ahead
of time to Portage, to assure the availability of fuel, and a quick
turn. After
waiting for a Spam Can Piper to fill four tanks and converse with
everybody
around, we finally rushed the pumps and filled out tanks and headed
out.
It is near 1400 and we're in striking distance.
Our hurried departure didn't leave much time for
briefing
the approach from Ripon on. Very shortly after departure I
started
listening for the ATIS at Whitman field. Nothing but static.
No
idea which runways were active, or what approach color would be used. I
quickly
thumbed through the NOTAM pages in my hands to try to get a feel of
what
to expect today, no luck.
Inside
of RIPON, still nothing to be heard. The plan was for me to form
up
on Keith, not now. With this hitch in communications, I needed
him
to now follow me and hopefully my experience having flown through here
many
times, would smooth things out.
On approach frequency at FISK, we with great relief
were
hearing him loud and clear. My wing man sitting steady at 7 high,
is
to say the least, focused! The controller at FISK breaks our
flight
and Keith moves in trail. Sorry he's now on his own! What a
place
to be dropped! No ATIS, no arrival plan, no experience here!?
Could
be over overwhelming I'm sure. Contemplating this, the FISK
controller
barks at me, and my wing, to make a quick left 360 to allow faster
traffic,
(who ain't!?) to pass. I'm glad they don't care about bank angle
around
here! Controller compliments our efforts and sends us on down the
tracks
for runway 27 and onto the Tower frequency. As we switch
frequencies,
we hear them closing the gate at RIPON. We made it in with only
about
5 minutes to spare.
Tower frequency was as fun as ever. Lots of
barking,
but only one runway in use this close to the start of the airshow.
Abeam
the tower, I'm told to start my "decent." I do, but soon realize
that
they don't want a decent, they want a split "S" to final! Now,
I'm
grinning! Hard right, a bit of top rudder, throttle chopped, the
tower only saw the top of my little bird as I dropped from the
sky. I'm now over the numbers.
He
orders me down the runway in ground effect as fast as I can go to the
"Green
dot". At one foot altitude, A deep red and black, Regal looking
Stearman
passes off my left side with his nose in the dirt and tail in the air.
Quick
thought to myself, is that I hope Keith is not distracted by this.
Throttle
at full, I hear his compliments for my work. At the dot, throttle
again chopped and I plop at the Dot, and
head
for the grass.
We're here, we're safe, and we're proud!
Taxiing
towards the show center, I'm tagged by various Marshallers to head to
different
areas of the display aircraft. Each time I have to proudly say
that
I've been requested by Fisher Flying Products to display my little bird
in
their display booth in the Ultralight area. I finally reach the
area
within 100 yards, and am forced to shut down and pull the airplane by
hand
into the area. Quickly a bystander, grabs my prop and helps me
all
the way to the booth. Mr. Gene Hanson, with a friendly smile, and
handshake,
expresses his gratitude for my coming, and tells me to go to the
trailer,
put my feet up, get something to drink, and "your airplane is mine" is
what I heard!
That was the last time, I had to fret over my airplane for the entire
week!
You don't know how much of a benefit this is.
The week with the Hansons was an absolute pleasure. My bird sat
amongst the most beautiful airplanes on the field. Every one of
them show winners in my opinion. These airplanes are what EAA
used to be about! Low cost, flying fun, that can be built at home
with average tools.
Next will be the return trip! Two days
of fun! Well Almost three days, and plenty of excitement and
challenges for a whole week.