Five years ago today, Bill Ghan's Wright Flyer replica flew 290 feet, at 20 mph, 10 feet above the runway, for almost 10 seconds, at Willow Springs Airport. Don Nevels flew it that day, after builder Bill flew it briefly (nose wheel up!) on 17 Dec., 2003 in Willow Springs, on the 100th anniversary of powered flight, in 1903 at Kill Devil Hills, NC.
Now our Wright Flyer replica is hanging in the Springfield-Branson Airport, soon to be moved to the new terminal area.
Tell you what, that was one of the most exciting take-offs I've ever seen... even more, almost, than seeing, on tv, Neil Armstrong walk on the moon in 1969.
This little model came with the Flight Simulator 2004 software.
Now, this little model is a little different. Clint talks about weight and balance, using a newer biplane on a stick... "newer"... yeah, the engine is out front on this one. However, he never did explain how it works without a prop... Of course, tied to a stick, and yet, ooops flat spin- quick, Marge, add some weight to the nose or take some of the quarters or washers off the tail, somebody quick do something oops too late oh well now if we take weight off the tail and add it to the nose, or if the rudder was bigger or... hey, if it's a homebuilt, you're on your own!
Marge always helps Clint with his enormous cue cards! They always put on a good show, even though Marge hides behind the cards.
Sandy read a tribute to Jerry, a letter from friend Tim from New Jersey. Earlier, Phyllis and Tom read a card from Tina, who is now in Arizona. Two pilots, Jerry and Jim. The best.
Jim was the "entertainer".
And entertaining from the kitchen, Joyce (and John of course), entertaining with the south Texas taco supreme-ooooo.
Anybody yearning for spring and green grass... ?
Flying... above it all... that's what it's all about.
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