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WARBIRD FLYIN
DEBRIEFING
Warbird 2006 has come and gone. If you missed it then
shame on you, as it was a super event. 52 registered
pilots and 79 - 80 aircraft on the flight line. Most
aircraft were from the WWII era and a few from WWI.
As I've said it never rains on my parade, (just windy),
although this years weather was kind to us. Sunny skies
and winds from the south right down the runway (for
the most part). Pilots traveled from as far as Lubbock,
Waco, and Oklahoma to attend our event. Activities opened
at 0900 hrs with the raising of the flag and followed
by the safety briefing. Flying began shortly thereafter
and continued thereafter none stop for most of the day.
One major loss was Bob Hoover's superb Pica T-28. It
appears he lost the engine and it resulted in a snap
roll. Attempts to recover were in vain. Other mishaps
included gear up landings, wheels/landing gear departing
the aircraft before stopping, and engine failures. One
F-4 ended up in a tree. The chow hall was kept busy
feeding hungry pilots and spectators. Promotions and
give-a-ways to the pilots was another favorite. The
flight line was shut down at 1600 hrs for open flying.
This was tenth year and the Old Man has decided he's
just that, to old. I announced my retirement as CD for
this event. Terry Thorpe has graciously accepted the
challenge and next year there will be a change of command
ceremony. Not to worry as I've been commissioned as
a consultant to help Terry (wait till he sees my consultant
fee). Once again this wouldn't be a success without
you folks that step up to the plate and support it.
A special thanks to my support personnel and to those
Thunderbirds that donated items, time, and efforts for
Warbird 2006: Bob Bishop, J.C. Dean, Ed Moskal, Charles
Allen, Ian Waring, Chuck McLeroy, Terry Thorpe, Mel
Wells, David D'Arcy, Bob Hoover, and Ron Dillio. If
first impressions count for excellence then judging
from the condition of our flying facility we're right
at the top. The field maintenance crew out did themselves
this year and did the F W Thunderbirds proud. These
are the behinds the scenes people that you don't think
about and deserve as much credit as the CD. Our event
was also support by Roy's and J. T.s Hobbies. Please
support this folks as they help us every year. Raymond
Cervantes video'd this event all day and has DVDs for
sale. If I've forgotten someone, and I'm sure I have,
my apologies. Once again the success of this event is
directly due to the efforts of the club members and
the folks that keep coming back year after year (must
be for the food). This continues to be a premier North
Texas event; lets plan to continue this heritage.
See Ya next year Ace
Woody
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