OK, it's Friday so I'll stretch the rules. It seems sometimes we all get so wound up in building we forget what it is like to actually fly and experience what is important in aviation. Like Scott, my father, and great friend, passed away April 12th. The loss created a void which will never be filled. With that said, there is a total lack of void brought about by an aviation experience of which I had nothing to do with. My plan, prior to my father's passing, was to leave the office on April 15th. and drive to Huntsville. There Mark and I would meet Doug Steen from TX who would fly his Bonanza from TX to pick us up. My father's funeral was on April 15th so attending Sun & Fun was not even considered. While on my way to Dad's military funeral (Pacific theater vet), I received a phone call from Doug. He relayed his intent to fly from TX to KY that evening to pick me up. His thought was I need the distraction and would use his airplane as a means to help achieve this desire. I talked with my mother who was all for this plan. After the funeral I drove the 2+ hours back home only to find Doug already in KY. I already had my camping stuff packed for Sun & Fun from prior planning so cloths were thrown in a bag and off the airport. Doug let me sit left seat for the flight from KY to Huntville. 1.75 hours of night/complex and a free choice of conversation was a great distraction. Dad would have approved. Got a nicely graded landing in Huntsville by Mark:-) One night spent in Huntsville and off to Sun & Fun. Mark graciously hopped in the back seat and allowed me to sit right seat. Had a great time at Sun & Fun seeing old friends and camping with two great aviation friends. Upon leaving on Sunday, Mark once again hopped in the back. Folks, Doug flew from TX to pick me up, think about it. I have, and will cherish the friendship.
While I will never "get over" my father's passing the above is posted to illustrate a very important aspect often overlooked: It is not the airplane, it is not the flight, it is not the engine......................it is the people we meet through this wonderful lifestyle that make it so wonderful. Remember, it's the people. I have sat here remembering all the wonderful experiences I had with my father. Naturally, this extended to the current days. I'm not leaving anyone out but the perfect KR evening would be at Sun & Fun, or some out of the way grass field with Mark, Larry, Mike, Steve, Dean, Doug, Ross, Jeff, Adrean, Tom, Troy, Mark, Steve, Linda, Jim along with a load of lager:-) Anyone I left out, if you share the same passion pull up a seat. Dana Overall 1999 & 2000 National KR Gathering host Richmond, KY i39 RV-7 slider, Imron black, "Black Magic" Finish kit 13B Rotary. Hangar flying my Dynon. http://rvflying.tripod.com/aero1.jpg http://rvflying.tripod.com/aero3.jpg http://rvflying.tripod.com/blackrudder.jpg do not archive
