Day 1 Sunday, July 30, 2006

Well, there was some heavy weather in Oshkosh this AM. So, the aircraft did not leave until about noon. However, they were able to get to Ames Iowa. Haven't heard from the boys, so they may be out of cell phone range. The Aeronca was able go get out ahead of the big storm but since the humidity was high, it took almost 3,000 feet to get airborn. The Ercoupe had to wait out the storm, which was fort unite as Ron and Andrew saw an aircraft about to blow away and tied it down. Heros!

Day 2 Monday, July 31, 2006

This day was puctuated by short ground tracks and very low ground speed due to headwinds. At some times, the ground speed was as low as 35 mph! Any more headwind, and they could have flown backward. They only got to Great Bend KS where they are spending the night. If the headwinds continue, it could be sometime Friday when they get to Flabob.

Day 3 Tuesday, August 1, 2006

So far, I have been unable to contact the flyers, but the ground crew reports they are in Clovis, NM. They stopped due to thunderstorms on the flight path. Good idea..

Talked to the boys, and they said that they had encountered some lifting clouds which gave them a bit of additional ground speed. Otherwise, they again encountered headwinds. After leaving Great Bend KS, they stopped in Dodge City KS, Perryton KS, Benger TX, and Clovis NM. They again said that it would probably be Friday before they get to Flabob.

Day 4 Wednesday, August 2, 2006

A very eventful day as the Aeronca experienced valve trouble. They were able to land successfully and diagnose the problem at Artesia NM. The bad news is that they had to find rooms in Roswell NM. Shades of extraterrestrials..

The good news is that only one cylinder of the engine had the problem. The good gnomes at Flabob scurried around, found another cylinder, removed it from the engine, and Dan was able to refurbish it ASAP. The new cylinder and the necessary tools are on their way for 10:30 AM delivery at Artesia NM for the crew to install. With any luck, they will be on their way by about 2:00pm tomorrow.

Several of the crew are optimistic about getting to Flabob by Friday; but I don't know.......

Day 5 Thursday, August 3, 2006

Well, the aircraft was repaired by 1230 hours as the repair parts arrived early at the airport from Flabob. The engine in the aircraft, it turns out, is an 85, not a 65 as we believed. So, so some additional work was needed to fit the old piston to the new cylinder. This turned out to be minimal and the test flight was uneventful.

They were able to make Eloy AZ today after a stop in Deming, NM. They had a tail wind and were able to make a ground speed of 90 mph.

They should be at Flabob by Noon Friday, August 4, 2006

Day 6 Friday, August 4, 2006

After a fuel stop in Blythe, the aircraft arrived at Flabob at approximately 1230 hours. They formed up in an arrow formation for a fly over the field, with Jerry in the lead. After crossing over the field, the Aeronca broke left, and landed first. It was followed by the Ercoupe, and then the Cessna. All then taxied up in front of the Cafe where the welcomeing crowd was waiting. It was a grand homecoming.

All agreed that it was a great experience, but not one they wanted to repeat anytime soon.

I found out that there were many stories that we didn't hear, so when you encounter one of these travelers, see what you can find out.