September 2014

NEWS
OKLAHOMA PILOTS
ASSOCIATION
In the Sky
September 2014
(www.oklahomapilots.org)
Meetings
September 11th Dinner Meeting - Second Thursday - 6:30 p.m. Social - 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Speaker: CarolAnn Garratt - TWO Around the World Flights!
Ms. Garratt earned her private pilot license in 1978 and her instrument rating
in 1980. In 1996, she completed her commercial license and bought a
Mooney in 2000. Not content to just fly, CarolAnn built her first plane in
2006. Today she owns and flies three different aircraft. She flies over 400
hours a year including flying students with the EAA Young Eagles program,
the sick and needy with Angel Flights, and instructing cadets with the Civil Air
Patrol. CarolAnn is a former manager with a Fortune 500 company.
After her mother suffered and died from ALS (better known as Lou Gehrig's
disease), she flew around the world in 2003 to raise awareness and
donations for ALS. Her speaking engagements and book about the flight,
“Upon Silver Wings”, have raised $80,000 for ALS research. She has
completed a second around the world flight. (Photo and biography from the
Dash for a Cure website.)
OPA Officer and Board of Directors elections will be held at our September dinner
meeting. The suggested list from the Nominating Committee is on page 7.
Nominations will also be accepted from the floor; but be sure to first verify with
anyone you wish to nominate that they would be willing to serve. If you would like
to serve OPA in some capacity contact a board member.
Please contact Roger
Walton for dinner
reservations so we
have enough food.
405 219-5149
rwxact@yahoo.com
October 2nd, 2014 - 6:00 p.m.
The Oklahoma Pilots
Association (OPA) meets the
1st Thursday of each month at
the Clarence E. Page Building,
located on Wiley Post Airport.
From N. Rockwell, enter the
airport at the traffic light
(Phillip J. Rhoads Ave.), take
the first right, and drive back
to the light gray brick building.
“Planes, Bikes, ‘n Cars” at Wiley Post!
Fly your plane in, display your special
car or bike, or do both!
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Not just for pilots or OPA members.
Free show! Charge for dinner.
H
NORT
C.E. PAGE BUILDING
E
ES
ROCK
NU
E
AV
AK
C.E. PAGE
BUILDING
IL
IP
UE
JR
AVEN
PH
WELL
L
TU
HO
AD
S
AV
Main Entrance To
Wiley Post Airport
EN
UE
OPA DINNER MEETING
LOCATION MAP
(Between NW 50th & NW 63rd)
OPA News
OPA News
September 2014
2
OKLAHOMA PILOTS
ASSOCIATION
OPA President
Bill Pappadopoulos
Clarence E. Page Building
5810 Tulakes Avenue
Wiley Post Airport
Bethany, Oklahoma 73008
Oklahoma Pilots Association is a member-controlled not-forprofit organization for all pilots and aircraft owners. OPA strives
to serve the needs of general aviation pilots statewide, promoting
aviation, education and safety in personal and business flying.
Membership consists of student pilots through airline transport
pilots, both civil and military and is open to all pilots and aircraft
owners. Annual membership dues are currently $35.
OPA holds monthly dinner meetings at the C. E. Page Building on
Wiley Post Airport in Oklahoma City. Distinguished guest
speakers present educational and safety related programs at the
monthly dinner meetings.
OPA hosts monthly Fly Aways for lunch or dinner and weekend Fly
Aways to interesting destinations.
OPA, through its charitable non-profit corporation, accepts
money or property donated to fund the Vic Jackson Memorial
Scholarship Fund which is awarded annually to a college student
with career aspirations in the field of aviation. Your contributions
of money or property are tax deductible.
OPA Newsletter Staff
Editors: Ben & June Roy
Typesetting & Layout: Ben Roy
Circulation: Bill Hines
Members’ contributions of articles and other information
relative to aviation are encouraged.
2013-2014 OPA OFFICERS
President - Bill Pappadopoulos
Exec. Vice President - Mike Grimes
Past President - Jeff Sandusky
Treasurer - Roy Cowan
Secretary - Frank Bice
405 417-7876
405 641-6860
405-650-5900
405 340-1425
405-642-3739
Vice President of Membership
Roger Walton 405 219-5149
rwxact@yahoo.com
Vice President of Communications
Keith Leafdale 405 802-9594
leafdale2@att.net
DIRECTORS
Term Expires 6/30/2015
Matt Cole
Bill Hines
Mike Rangel
Dean Ritter
Joey Sager
Term Expires 6/30/2014
Danny Davis
Hal Harris
Lee Holmes
Al Liebler
Don Miller
Garrett Quinby - OSU Student Board Member
EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS
Ben Roy
Steve Haynes
Welcome back to all our vacationers! Keith Leafdale and his
lovely wife went up to Canada and Alaska. See if you can get
them to show you some of their pictures. Frank Bice and his
wife got back from touring the northeastern part of the
country. Make sure Frank shows you the car he bought while
on vacation! Mike and Susie Grimes are still out there
traveling!
Well, we did it again! We ran out of food at our Last OPA
meeting. Please, if you are planning to come, call Roger and
let him know.
What a meeting our last one was! The "Intrepid Eight Alaska
Aviators" showed slides and video of their trip. Great fun!
Carol Ann Garratt will be our speaker at our next meeting,
which will be on the second Thursday. She will be talking to us
about her two flights around the world. Come early and get a
good seat!
Congratulations to all who participated in the Okie Derby, to
the two 99's who came in first, and my friend from Guthrie,
Ryan Husky, and his sister, who came in third place.
We had a great fly away to Stillwater last month and ate at
Eskimo Joe's Mexican restaurant. I just love their fajitas!
Delicious!
Don't miss out on our next fun flyaway to Gaston's in Arkansas.
See you on the skies,
Bill
El Reno Regional Airport
Accepting Applications for
Airport Manager
Applications may be obtained through the Human
Resource office located at 101 N. Choctaw, El Reno,
during regular business hours or on the website:
www.cityofelreno.com.
September 2014
3
OPA News
Highlights from the August 7th Dinner Meeting
President Bill Pappadopoulos welcomed everyone and Mike Rangel led the pledge to the flag. A show of hands revealed
that almost half of those present went to Oshkosh. We had a lot of guests, including Angela
Drabeck, the 99s scholarship winner who just flew her solo flight. We usually try to list guests,
but want to save some space for our speakers’ presentation. Heather told us about the plans for
the Okie Derby; one day this year at Sundance Airport.
Jeff Sandusky introduced Victor Byrd, who informed us that due to a $200 million budget shortfall
at the end of the legislative session in mid May, the legislature took three million dollars out of the
Aeronautics non-appropriated funds. They considered taking it from the banking or energy
departments, but didn't want to listen to protests. They thought that pilots would not complain
as much. Aircraft owners and pilots fund the Aeronautics Agency through taxes. It is not funded
by the legislature. The money would have been used for aviation for development and
maintenance of the Oklahoma airport system. This was approved near midnight and the money
was gone at 7 am, so there was no chance to object to it. Vic said that like Rodney Dangerfield,
pilots don't get any respect. Pilots need to speak out. We will not get this money back. A letter
campaign really does work and this is an election year. Jeff will send out a link to the state
senators and representative to help you voice your opinion about this issue to your
legislators. If you see them, talk to them about it so this doesn’t happen again next session.
Thanks to Dean Ritter for getting the new sound system installed in the building. It
is a huge improvement over the old system. The August Fly Away was changed to
Mexico Joe's in Enid because the Cherokee Queen doesn't offer dinner cruises any
more, so the committee didn't want to schedule an overnight Fly Away.
Our speakers took the stage to tell us about their trip to Alaska. Lee Holmes and
Jim Putnam shared a plane and the others flew solo; so there were eight men traveling in
seven planes. They said they learned a lot; like you can land in stiff wind if you have to. They
were glad they got to go, but don't want to do it again. Someone said that next year they
might float the Mississippi. Larry Eversmeyer told us that OPA member Will Koska gave him
his first jet ride over 30 years ago, and added that Alaska was a very good trip.
Some of the people in
attendance
March 20132014
September
OPA News
48
August Dinner Meeting Continued
1946 Luscombe 8-A, 65 HP
no electrical system
Jim Putnam took the
lead for the presentation
and was kind enough to
share photos and slides
for the newsletter.
1946 Cessna 140 90 HP
Gruman AA-1 American
150 HP cruised 130 mph
Champion 8GCBC Scout lead aircraft
Tundra Tires, vortex generators, 150 HP
1949 Cessna 140 90 HP
Cessna 182P 1975 230 HP fastest 135-140
mph
Alon Mooney built A2A Ercoupe
100 HP rudder pedals
They said they wanted to go because of the adventure – to
see new country, visit sights and play tourist along the way.
One said his wife called it a “stupid guy thing”. They started
planning a year ago in January and finalized it in March this
year. Terry Dow did a great job of being lead pilot and
making radio calls. They said getting through Canadian
customs was like giving birth to a porcupine. They showed
us some very good short videos of the trip.
They asked how you get 8 guys in a 5 person car. The
answer was put 3 in the trunk. Going around a corner was a
thrill for all of them packed in the car. They thought they
saw mud flaps on some planes, but learned they were rock
flaps to keep the rocks out of the horizontal stabilizers.
During the longest day of the year they saw people fishing at
11:30 pm - in daylight. They visited Shotgun Cove and
learned it got its name because the sleet pellets hit so hard it
sounds like a shotgun. Weather kept them from going to the
Arctic Circle. They said that Mt. McKinley is so tall it makes
its own weather. In the winter there are down drafts of 80
mph. They saw a building where everything inside was
carved out of ice, including the glasses in the bar and the
beds. You could spend a night in the ice bed covered with
caribou hides for only $600.
They also said the people were all wonderful. On the return
flight, one customs location didn't even look at their papers.
They asked “Weren't you here about a week ago?” Then
they said “You're good.” Someone asked how much the trip
cost. One man said that's what his wife wants to know.
Another said there was no cost - just a good investment.
They said they learned the more you fly, the better you get.
They improved flying skills, including landings, crosswind
take offs and landing, go arounds, critical navigation and
weather flying. They said it is good to go with others for
mutual support, breakfast baggies, free beer, comic relief
and good stories. It was a
wonderful, entertaining
presentation that I can't
really cover in the newsletter.
They say a picture is worth a
thousand words, so much of
their story will be told with
their pictures and slides and
comments about them.
September 2014
5
OPA News
August Dinner Meeting Continued
Mt. McKinley exceptionally clear day
20,237 feet
Highest Mountain in North America
The Stirring Saga of EAA members
and the Page Airport Bums
14 June – 1 July 2014
Your intrepid aviators included from left
to right: A business owner, Terry Dow; A
retired School District Superintendent,
Richard Flurry; A retired Air Force officer
and aerospace manager, Jim Putnam; A
retired nurse anesthetist, Don Rogers;
An OG&E power production manager,
Jim Thomas; A GP Doctor, Jesse
Sullivan; An attorney, Lee Holmes; and A
retired FAA Instructor, Jet pilot and chief
instigator, Larry Eversmeyer.
Flying up Ruth Glacier with
Mt. McKinley in the distance
September 2014
6
OPA News
August Dinner Meeting Continued
The red objects in the photo
below are not lobsters. They are
our intrepid explorers at the Hot
Springs about 60 miles from
Fairbanks. They said the list of
activities at the springs didn’t
include mosquito feeding. They
were so big that when you
swatted them, they hit the
ground with a thud.
They also said that for a trip like
this, after you pack, take half out
and throw it away, or leave it
behind. (5 folding chairs for 2
guys, 3 flashlights, 2 multi tools,
2 pillows, 2 folding cots)
Crew on glacier cruise out of Whittier, Alaska
Flying Alaska Canada Highway
They took a bus ride through steep
mountains. Lee said it was the
scariest bus trip he ever took. The
photo of the grizzly bear was taken
from the bus in Denali National
Park. The bear was about 30 feet
from the bus.
While camping there a Park Ranger
came by to talk to them about the
bear problem. They had to use bear proof cans. The man
with the “Pacifier”, a 4570 double action rifle, slept pretty
“good”. The others didn't. (Welcome home intrepid
explorers!)
Enid Woodring's 6th Annual Poker Run!
The Poker Run will be held September 27, 2014. All
proceeds this year will go to the Lady Liberty Sponsor Group
to help with replacing a broken engine, which failed while on
route to an air show in Hutchinson, KS. Plan to come out for
some good food, fun, and to help bring the Lady Liberty
home!
September 2014
OPA
News
OPA
News
7
Oklahoma Pilots Association 2014 Officer and Board Member Elections
Election Date Moved to 9-11-14
Suggested Slate from the OPA Nominating Committee
New Term Expires June 30, 2015 (1 year terms): President, Bill Pappadopoulos, Vice President, Mike
Grimes, Past President, Jeff Sandusky (no election required), Treasurer, Roy Cowan, Secretary, Lee Holmes,
Vice President of Membership, Roger Walton, Vice President of Communications, Keith Leafdale,
Directors: Marc Harrison, Holly Blunk, Hal Harris, Al Liebler, Don Miller, Collegiate Member, Garrett Quinby
OSU
Current Directors NOT up for Election (2 year terms - expire June 30, 2015): Matt Cole, Bill Hines,
Mike Rangel, Joey Sager
August 9th OPA Fly Away - Stillwater - Mexico Joe’s
Thanks to Vi Davis and Roger Walton for the photos and information
There was a good turn out for the Fly Away. 17
people attended with 5 airplanes, including: Matt
Cole & Bill Pappadopoulos, Bill Hines & Roy Cowan,
Danny & Viola Davis & baby Josie Sager, Al & Sonie
Liebler, Cary & Terry Fisher, Roger & Jan Walton,
Sandy & Diane Harris, Garrett Quinby and Wyvema
Startz. From the smiles I would say that the food
was also good. Can you believe that Mexico Joe
can fly on a jalapeno? I guess we had better stick
with flying in airplanes. Roger Walton says that
Mexico Joe is Eskimo Joe’s cousin and that his real
name is Jose. I don’t have any confirmation on that
bit of information, but it sounds good.
Home built Air Camper
September 2014
OPA News
8
Free Seminar sponsored by OPA on September 20th
Fall is coming and Harry Weatherford's FREE seminars are firing up again.
The first seminar is September 20th at Tony Plants' new hangar. Your OPA has decided to host a free lunch at the
seminar. Please try to attend, and let's enjoy the seminar and a little social time. Perhaps by then Roger Walton will be
able to show off that new airplane he has been bragging about.
The seminar is about Instrument Departures, but it is not just for instrument pilots. We should all understand departure
planning. The seminar has FAA WINGS credit attached, and as an added bonus - Flight Instructors will be available for
you to complete your Wings credit for a FLIGHT REVIEW. Bring your airplane or rent one, and get that proficiency flying
done.
It has been rumored that a B29 will be at Valair on that same day, so bring the whole family and a few friends along for a
full day of Aviation, Oklahoma Style.
The following week (September 27th) Harry will hold a second seminar at Tony's hangar. It will cover enroute charts,
and Instrument Approach Procedures. The third and final seminar of the series will be held on November 1st, and it will
be about what you should see at the completion of an Instrument Approach. Remember all of Harry's seminars are
Family Friendly.
After ten years of FREE seminars this is Harry's last year of devotion to keeping us informed about the ever changing
world of Aviation. Harry says he intends to do more flying and less talking about it. Attend these last seminars and help
him keep his word.
September 26th - 27th- OPA Fly Away - Lakeview, Arkansas
Gaston’s Scenic and Historic Restaurant
Wheels Down: before dark on the 26th or 11 am on the 27th
Aerial view (right) of Gaston’s
3MO from the west end. Notice
the power lines. That is why we
land from and take off to the east.
Good grass 2,200’ X 55’. NO
runway lights.
Gaston’s White River Resort in the
Arkansas Ozark Mountains. A good
one for an overnight stay. Make
reservations early 870-431-5202
(required - no refund). Contact
Roger Walton at his email: rwxact@yahoo.com or call him 405-2195149, or contact any Fly Away Committee Member to let them know you
are going, have an extra seat, or need a ride. OPA Fly Away Committee
Members include:
Danny Davis <abadavis@sbcglobal.net>, Bill
Pappadopoulos <greekflyboy@netzero.net>, Mike Rangel
<rangelm945@msn.com>, "Hal H. Harris"
< c a p t . h a r r i s @ a i r o n e f l i g h t a c a d e m y. c o m > , M a t t C o l e
<mattc7774u@gmail.com>; Roger Walton <rwxact@yahoo.com>; and
Keith Leafdale <leafdale2@att.net>. Thanks for a great job planning our
Fly Aways!
Gastonʼs Scenic and Historic
Restaurant
September 2014
9
OPA News
2014 OPA Calendar
Be sure to contact Roger Walton
for dinner reservations
405 219-5149 rwxact@yahoo.com
September 11th - Dinner Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Page Building, Wiley Post Airport (2nd Thursday)
September 18th - OPA Board Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Page Building, Wiley Post Airport
September 26th - 27th - Fly Away - Lakeview,
Arkansas - Gaston’s Scenic & Historic Restaurant
Wheels down - before dark
October 2nd - Planes, Bikes ‘n Cars 6:00 p.m.
Page Building, Wiley Post Airport
October 18th - Fly Away - Cedar Mills, Lake
Texoma Safety Seminar & Seaplane Splash-In
Pelican's Landing Waterfront Restaurant
October 16th - OPA Board Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Page Building, Wiley Post Airport
November 6th - Dinner Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Page Building, Wiley Post Airport
November 8th - Fly Away - Fairview Fly In and
Airshow - Wheels down 11:00
November 20th - OPA Board Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Page Building, Wiley Post Airport
Monthly Oklahoma Fly-Ins
1st Saturday - Ponca City Aviation Booster Fly-In
Breakfast - Call Don Nuzum 580-767-0470
1st Saturday - Pauls Valley Breakfast Fly In
Call 405 268-3925
No 2nd Saturday August -Oshkosh- Ardmore
Breakfast Lakeland Aviation - Call 580 389-5000
3rd Saturday - Alva Regional Airport Fly-In
Breakfast - Call 580 327-6778 (Apr - Nov)
Saturday after 3rd Monday - Owasso Pancake
Breakfast EAA Chapter 10
4th Saturday - Enid Fly-In Breakfast - Woodring
Airport (WDG) March through October
on 26th
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Please make dues check payable to:
Oklahoma Pilots Association
Mail to: 5810 Tulakes Ave.,
Wiley Post Airport,
Bethany, OK 73008
C/o Ben Roy
11749 SW. 54th
Mustang, OK 73064
405-324-6554 Home
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email:
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ANNUAL DUES ARE $35
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The OPA General Aviation Newsletter is published monthly. Articles for the newsletter are sought from members, trade
organizations, etc. Stories and articles can include flying trips, rebuilding and restoration experiences, special tips,
activities, etc.
Material for publication will be accepted up to the deadline which is the 15th of each month, space permitting.
The editorial staff reserves the right to accept, refuse, or edit any material submitted. Publication of articles and opinions
in the OPA Newsletter is not an endorsement by the Association, nor does the Association assume any responsibility for
the accuracy of the information contained in the Newsletter. Permission is granted to reprint, provided credit is given to
The Oklahoma Pilots Association Newsletter. For circulation issues including newsletters not received call Bill
Hines 405-749-2520 or hines4204@aol.com. For email and address changes contact Roger Walton 405-2195149 or email rwxact@yahoo.com.
OKLAHOMA PILOTS
ASSOCIATION
Clarence E. Page Building
5810 Tulakes Avenue
Wiley Post Airport
Bethany, Oklahoma 73008