Warbird Flyer 2018
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Volume 19 July Issue 3 WARBIRD FLYER 2018 Tom Elliott’s Nanchang CJ-6A with Bob Hill’s IAR-823 behind. Photo: Karyn F. King/PhotosHappen.com Cascade Warbirds Squadron Newsletter CO’S COCKPIT By Ron Morrell I’ve received a good amount of feedback since our would encourage everyone who flies in the Safety Stand-down this spring and appreciate the airshow environment to at least get famil- sentiments and support for the efforts. We have iar with a basic formation flying handbook hopefully created a new mindset for all our mem- like those found on the North American bers who have the privilege of owning and flying a Trainer Association website or the Redstar warbird. If you weren’t able to attend, I hope the Pilots Association website. A primary moti- fact that many of our members did sit down to- vation found in formation flying—and gether and discuss safety issues motivates you to those of us with military training live by appreciate the subject and help us spread the word. I thought it the creed—is the mutual support that we would be good to use this forum to extend some of the discussion to find when we know we have another pilot those who couldn’t make the physical meeting. and aircraft in the area to lend us a hand, We had over 35 of our pilots in attendance and were able to have help on the radio, and keep an eye on our a dialogue with the help of a general outline of topics involving how aircraft while we fight the “helmet fire” we keep ourselves and our aircraft in flying shape. We tried to con- and aircraft anomaly that jumps up and nect the dots between keeping yourself physically and mentally tries to bite us in the derriere! ready to fly your warbird, the aircraft itself, and the actual operation A perfect example is what happened at in a challenging environment. The fact that we need to keep our- the end of the Olympic Air Show just last selves ready to fly, both physically and mentally, especially on game week. One of our members developed a day at an airshow, is not in dispute but the techniques and disci- rough engine and some oil concerns just pline we use usually come down to “what’s best for you, as long as after leaving the airfield. Within minutes, something is done” . Everyone’s aircraft is different and unique and the info was out on our “warbird common” needs specific care and feeding. frequency and there was a readily availa- You all need to have a support network of others with like makes ble wingman turning back to lend support and models to help round out the best practices of how to care for and help get him back to the concrete. The your bird. Just like our type of airshow flying and formation flying, support may not be needed but it is always you need to develop friends and wingmen to rely on and trust to tell a good feeling to have someone looking you the unvarnished truth when you need it! Whether it’s a question over your shoulder in case it’s needed. A of maintenance issues or pilot techniques, it’s always best to be part cool-down and restart were all that was of a group and help each other out. This is the biggest strength of needed for everyone to get back to their the Cascade Warbirds family. home bases without any further drama. I A large part of the discussion revolved around the airshow flying want to commend all the pilots for a great activities and how we handle ourselves at the airshow. The decisions job utilizing all the safety aspects we we make when at the briefing, at the aircraft, mounting up and get- talked about and taking our discussions ting your head in the game, and then hitting the start button, create seriously. a winning impression or can show our lack of preparation. I have Changing gears: This was the 20th year always tried to emphasize the “plan the flight, brief the plan, fly the of the Olympic Air Show and we were brief” technique. Which is really much more important than thanked by Brian Reynolds for our contin- “technique”—it needs to be a rule! ued support and participation. He con- I understand that many of our pilots are not formation pilots firmed that the Cascade Warbirds have and may have no interest in formation flying. But the planning and been in attendance all 20 of those years! It briefings that the formation pilots use can go a long way toward pre- is a great feeling when the Air Boss does paring you for airshow flying, even without being in a formation. I the attendance at the morning briefings, WARBIRD FLYER, July 2018 1 each performer makes their presence tioned the perfect timing that the largest WARBIRD FLYER Cascade Warbirds known, and he says, “Cascade Warbirds” group of performers in the airshow and at least a dozen voices call out demonstrated by being exactly on time Squadron Commander Emeritus “here”—always fun. Another fun tidbit ready to launch as Bud Granley landed R.D. “Crash” Williams from this year’s Olympia show was the the P-51 in front of our 14 aircraft. Commanding Officer compliment we all received from the Air By the way, “Keep ‘em Flying”. Ron Morrell Boss on Sunday morning when he men- Executive Officer Dave Desmon Operations Officer SQUADRON NEWS John “Smokey” Johnson Adjutant retired USCG aviator. Fred C. Smyth SCHOLARS ON REPORT When you get a chance, make these Finance Officer folks feel welcome. Fred C. Smyth We’re happy to announce that fully half Officer-at-Large of this year’s scholars are making good THE TIME HAS COME John Clark progress in their training. We’ve received Newsletter Editor word from our partner Galvin Flight It is with sadness that we must report John Haug Training that Alex Marshall, London that this is the last issue of Warbird Fly- Holmes, Joe Cavenaugh, Gada Ahmed, er, at least for those of you who have not This is the official publication of Devin Graves, and Jeffrey Spaeth have yet renewed for 2018. You know who you Cascade Warbirds. The views successfully completed the Private Pilot are, just have a gander at the address expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual writers, and Ground School course. They now move to label on the envelope. Send your $20 now do not constitute the official the flight portion of their training where to CWB, 1066 Yates Rd, Oak Harbor, position of Cascade Warbirds. their scholarships will afford each of WA 98277. Fred will appreciate it. Members are encouraged to them two dual instructional flights. contribute any matter related to ENO IR ACES warbirds, which the editor will And two of our scholars have, indeed, R A R logged their first flights recently: Devin gladly work with you to publish. A final reminder, in case it slipped your Graves and London Holmes have mind. We still have a couple seats availa- It is the goal of Cascade Warbirds “slipped the surly bonds of earth” en ble in our reserved box. Just $370 for the to promote the restoration, route to aviation careers. In fact, London preservation, operation and public week gets you up-close-and-personal on was just awarded a flight training schol- display of historically significant show centerline. Camaraderie, reserved military aircraft; to acquire and arship from the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. parking, pit passes, you name it—you’ll perpetuate the living history of Foundation that will result in her earn- find it at the races. Contact Fred; he’ll those who served their country on ing her Private Pilot certificate. We wish these aircraft; and to inspire get you lined up. today's young people to become her great success. the aviation pioneers of Further, 2017 scholar Austin Mix STAY CONNECTED: FACEBOOK, tomorrow. was finally able to fly his second lesson this spring; it seems scheduling is even FLICKR, CALENDAR, MORE All correspondence to the an issue with the younger among us. squadron may be submitted via Of course, you’re well aware of the email Lastly, 2018 scholar Logan Delapp the e-mail or mailing addresses blitzes regarding squadron business and below. has been accepted to the US Air Force events. And if you’ve been around for 90 Academy. Blue skies! Business Office days or more, you know about our quar- 1066 Yates Road WELCOME ABOARD terly newsletter. Dan Shoemaker’s new Oak Harbor, WA 98277 Flickr albums, containing photos from all One of the more rewarding aspects of our photographers, can be found here: Editorial E-mail being involved in our efforts is welcom- https://www.flickr.com/photos/ [email protected] ing newcomers to the enterprise. Since CascadeWarbirds. last issue, we’d like to introduce… Don’t forget about our website Kyra Betteridge of Issaquah is a www.cascadewarbirds.org where you’ll Cascade Warbirds is a tax-exempt UAS Part 107 pilot as well as a profes- find much useful information. It will be charitable organization as defined sional photographer. undergoing a remodel and will feature, in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Greg Gilbert of Gig Harbor is the among other items, a reorganization Revenue Code. proud owner of an N2S-3 Stearman and based around our core missions and has an interest in warbird restoration. highlights from our social media pres- Annual newsletter value: $6.00 Jerry Paterson of Kent also joins us.