thail's blog

The B-17 Aluminum Overcast visited WVI May 3-6.  The visit started with a press flight on Monday for the local papers and KION 46 weather reporter Tamara Berg.  Click here.  The SC Sentinel story is here.  Tuesday had the first two flights for paying passengers and a couple of freebies for EAA 119 volunteers.  Afterward a lot of visitors came out to the airport to tour through the plane, EAA119 volunteers doing a great job keeping the visitors interested, educated, informed and flowing through the plane.  We all learned a lot and I think passed on a lot of information to the community what it was like in that plane.  Tony and Thad literally spent hours in the cockpit talking to folks.  (click on the title to see more...)

I was talking to Joe about his B-17 ditching in WWII.  He said it was because they had run out of gas, the plane they were flying wasn't their normal one and turned out to be a gas hog.  By the time they reached Holland, they were throwing guns and equipment out to lighten it up, but they ditched about 20 miles off the Dutch coast.  Their mayday got the rescue folks looking for them and a Hudson bomber dropped a boat to them.  But they spent more than 24 hours in that boat before they got picked up.  

The ditching was on one engine, the others had run out of gas.  The crew got into the ditching positions and all made it out when everything stopped.  Joe's exit was to be through his window which surprised him since he was so bulky in his flight gear.  Both rubber rafts got into the water for the 10 man crew.  They used a hand crank radio and flares to attract the rescue crews.  The rescue was delayed because at the time a raid was being executed on the Dutch coast and they couldn't risk giving it away with picking them up.  

www.apilotsstory.com

"A Pilot’s Story is a feature length documentary film that explores the mystical attraction and endless adventure that draw pilots into the sky. The story is told in the voices of noted aviators ranging from aerobatic champions and astronauts to industry innovators and Hollywood stars mixed with average everyday local pilots. Incorporating stunning air-to-air footage, the film will transport viewers into the flyer’s world to experience the milestones and the magic that are a part of every pilot’s story."

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 Scott, Ken, Mike and Rob got the internet link working into the EAA Hangar and we now have WiFi inside and actually outside the hangar.  It seems to work in the parking lot and on the ramp in front of the doors.  The doors do not have to be open for you to get a signal.

We are using the airport internet connection through an RF link building to building.  So far it has been problem free but let Scott or I know if you have any issues.   It is unprotected, like the WVI connection in the terminal, no password needed. 

Hello, I am the president of EAA Chapter 119 and I want to welcome you all and thank you for volunteering to fly in this year's Day in the Sky.  I know that some of you have not committed fully with business, maintenance, and family conflicts, but those who have flown this event or the other events around the Bay Area know how a meaningful and rewarding this event is.  Bosses and family would understand if they could see the smiles and grins we get from the kids and their families.For those who have not flown an EAA 119 Young Eagles rally, we keep it very simple and safe.  What I want to do here is give you a pre-briefing of how we do things so you know what to expect when you arrive, especially for the first time.  We will have a formal briefing for you when you arrive on the 18th.  Either at 8am at the EAA hangar or when you arrive.  Please do not fly until you have been briefed.