Thursday, May 20, 2010

International Biplane Association Sponsors 2010 Event


Thanks to the International Biplane Association for being the first paid sponsor of the 2010 Wood, Fabric, and Tailwheels Fly-In to be held September 25, 2010 at Lee Bottom Flying Field . . . 

We couldn't put this event on without the help of our sponsors. 

If your company, group, or organization is interested in becoming a sponsor of this year's event, please let us know. . . We can customize and work with you on different levels of sponsorship.   

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Cool Photos of The Month


We had some cool photos of a Boeing Model 40 flying with the newest Boeing 787 to show you but then they slowly started showing up everywhere else.  This left us with a void of a cool photo to share.  But then along came Joe Shepard with some fantastic photos. 


We love these black and white photos of Joe's Lockheed and find them to be a few of the best we've seen for a very long time.  No kidding, aren't they great? 


And how could you not like the color Hollywood shot?   Thanks to Joe for sending them our way.

And since we're talking about photos, don't forget to visit our updated photo slideshow on the blog or website to see if you or your plane is represented.

Are you a 'REAL PILOT' flying a 'REAL PLANE'?


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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

If Souls Had Fingerprints, There Mine Would Be

Touched in numbers that can’t be tabulated, each and every “three” holds a story. Should scientists ever create a machine that will allow us to see the fingerprints of souls, a darling old Douglas will likely be the test bed. If so, there in the monitor of this amazing new invention, glowing traces of history will combine to form a blinding light of emotions left behind.

The Myth of Professionalism


Professionalism, oh man doesn’t that sound good rolling off the tongue? Go ahead, say it. Repeat after me, PROFESSIONALISM. Did you feel it; it’s a tingling feeling isn’t it. NO? Really, are you sure? Huh, that’s odd ‘cause I just finished skimming every aviation publication in the world, plus numerous online aviation “news” services, and even the nightly news and I’m quite sure the word of the year for aviation is PROFESSIONALISM. Oooh there, did you feel it? Yeah, me neither and there’s a reason; professionalism is BS. Let me explain.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

OUR AIRPORT FAMILY IN ACTION

Very little time ever goes by that we aren't reminded how lucky we are to have an extended family - that's you, the people that visit Lee Bottom Flying Field.  Some of you visit frequently and others we see only once a year at our family reunions known as fly-ins.   There is also a uniquely special group of you who pitch in to make the airport easier for all the family members to enjoy. 
Bob Allen and Howard Edwards were hard at work one early, spring, weekend day but they were not at home with a honey-do list.  Instead on that day, upon returning from breakfast we found them installing a weatherproof, enclosed case on the outside bathroom wall.  This was something they knew we had wanted for a while and they took it on themselves to find it and install it.  This might seem simple to many of you, but with a never ending and always growing list of things to do around here, a gesture such as this often feels like winning a week off with pay.

Look for Fritz's updated airport rules to be posted in this case soon as well as other notes to our visiting family members.  Thanks again to Bob and Howard for this new addition.  It is much classier than the weathered plywood we were previously using.
 
Recently, on a rather dreary spring day, I returned from running errands in town to find a giant bottle of Round Up sitting on the porch and I knew right away that I had missed a visit from Todd Reed.  Todd and his family are well-known as "The Kova Agribusiness Team" and provide a vast array of agricultural related services and products to farmers throughout the Central Midwest.  We use Round Up to control the growth of unwanted plants and weeds in certain areas around the airport and we are very thankful for this wonderful donation. 
And recently, we were treated to another wonderful gift from some recent additions to our airport family - Ashley Lockwood and Robert Ventura who own the Cork and Cracker store in Broad Ripple, Indiana.  As you might be able to guess from the name of their establishment, they arrived carrying bottles of wine.  Although you might not get the opportunity to enjoy these bottles yourself, I hope you take pleasure in knowing a glass of fine wine goes a long way towards providing incentive to the groundskeeper. So, I guess that indirectly you do get to enjoy this wonderful little surprise gift.

We like sharing these wonderful contributions with you so that you know the story behind them and can thank these individuals if you happen to see them here. OR, maybe you can help them out by supporting their businesses.   These are the little behind-the-scenes contributions that allow us to have the energy to keep the airport available for all to enjoy and use.  Thank you!

WHAT DO THOSE 3 CONES MEAN?

We feel that there are a few things that need to be stressed to those using our airport.  This spring, we've seen regulars and first timers all make a mistake that could cause serious problems for those involved.  The mistake refers to the old saying about runway behind you.  We all know that it does you no good; so please keep on reading.

Recently, we had a pilot who did not use ALL of the available runway and because of this and the fact that he departed downwind, he still had his wheels on the ground for several hundred feet into the cornfield stubble to our North.  And then, because of a misconception about grass runway markings, we had another pilot who shut down in the middle of the runway to have a picnic.  Therefore, we would like to discuss the meaning and purpose of the two sets of three cones that you see toward each end of the runway.  Do you know what they mean?  If you think it marks the end of the runway, keep reading to find out the 'real' story. . .


Friday, May 7, 2010

Lodging Now Available for 2010 Wood, Fabric, and Tailwheels Fly-In



The 2010 Wood, Fabric, and Tailwheels Fly-In is  Saturday, September 24th-26th, 2010.   

As most of our regulars can tell you, this event has evolved, over the years, from a couple hours on a Saturday afternoon to a weekend ordeal.   Therefore, if you are wanting to attend the fly-in, most of you will want to come and spend the weekend with us.   And if you are not into camping, you should know that lodging is always at a premium during the weekend, due to other events going on at the same time.  In other words, make your reservations early! 

This year, we are excited to once again be working with an Inn that has as much ambiance, beauty, scenery, and history as our little airport.   If we had an Inn at Lee Bottom, it would be just like this  . . . the rooms have a rustic lodge feel with a modernized flair. 

See information about CLIFTY INN:                       CLICK HERE  
To make a reservation at CLIFTY INN:                   877-925-4389
Be sure to tell them the group code  "0924LB".    Rate is $122 - 132/night + tax 

There is a 2 night minimum due to event weekend.
If you have problems, Kim Gardner is our contact person.  

Note:  We ask that if you end up being unable to use a room that you have reserved, please contact us prior to calling the Inn to cancel.   Cancellations go back into the general pool and therefore are not available under our group listing.  Often there is someone on the waiting list and this way and they might be able to get the one you cannot use.

More information on the fly-in and other events coming soon. . .

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Another Airport Disaster

Ginger and I would like to send our best wishes to the good folks at Cornelia Fort Airport, Tennessee.  It's very hard to know what to say to someone when something like this happens and these photos leave us speechless. 

Those of you lucky enough to be somewhere else, look at the two photos here and then think about the potential but never considered disasters that could strike your field and put together a plan as to how to handle them. 

As for you folks at Cornelia Fort, if there is anything the aviation community can do to help you, please let us know.