Saturday, 29 August 2009- To College Park Airport Air Fair 100 and Beyond!

One of my highlights this year is the College Park Aviation Museum AirFair 100. It was a once in a lifetime celebration of 100 years of aviation history at College Park Airport, as well as an unprecedented waiver of the restricted airspace regulations for takeoffs, landings, and passengers in the area. I signed up to volunteer as soon as I heard of the opportunity.

The morning started with my arrival at the volunteer tent. I was issued an orange t-shirt, an AirFair 100! Visor and a meal wristband.

After eating a purple bagel at the volunteer trailer, I reported to my post at the front gate as a greeter and a baby counter. At about noon time, a police officer's horse left a line of material that would be unpleasant to step in, so I watched the foot traffic and tried to guide folks away from the manure. When Greg Koontz started his act, I was granted permission to take my break. The show was fabulous and I had a pretty good view. Afterward, I got to say hi briefly. He kind of remembered me from the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In. I returned to my post where I remained until 4:30. Then the magic began!

One of the last people I greeted at the gate was an older gentlemen wearing a polo shirt with a personalized DC-3 embroidered on it and a particular N-number. I knew from the shirt that this man had some kind of tie to that DC-3 and asked. He said his DC-3 had a green and yellow Air North livery and was based at Hagerstown. I couldn't believe one was based so close!

I got to walk around the exhibits for the last half hour. I found Al who was trying to sell some old model airplanes. He offered the rest for $10. I was crazy excited for these airplane gifts! He packed them carefully in a large box which I hugged close to me as I wandered among the airplanes and booths in the static display area. When I came to an EAA tent, some of the guys jokingly asked if I had puppies in there. I let them know that I'm at an airport and I get excited about airplanes.

One of the guys, Dan, took a look at my collection and went gaga over one of the seven planes- just the same way I did when I was offered the collection. He was a pilot and was in the process of building a seaplane called a Challenger II. I told him I would give him the airplane in exchange for the promise of an airplane ride. I asked him to sign my Pilot log and put his phone number. He was flattered to sign next to the likes of Patty Wagstaff, Corkey Fornof, and the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team. Then he said there was someone I should meet and get his signature. He called his friend, Brian, over. Out of respect for his privacy, I won't post his last name on the internet.

Brian was a Formula Vee air race pilot who flew races and set records in the 1980's and 1990's. He brought one of his airplanes, a Monnett Sonerai called Miss Annapolis to the Air Fair. He was wearing a red flight suit with a variety of air race and record setting patches and a red beret. He seemed happy to talk about his experiences, and when I told both Dan and Brian my situation, I became an immediate hero and inspiration to them. Brian said my enthusiasm for aviation was a breath of fresh air. The clouds circled around us growing darker and grayer, threatening to rain. I helped Brian and Dan clean up and then remove Miss Annapolis' wings and push the fuselage into the trailer. Dan gave me a ride to Metro and I was invited by both Dan and Ron (Designer of the Minicoupe, and EAA Chapter 4 president) to the chapter's picnic being held at Suburban Airport (W18) next Saturday, the 5th. Today was a truly magical day!

Tuesday, 21 July 2009- New C-47 Added to my Fleet of Models

Tuesday, 21 July 2009- New C-47 Added to my Fleet of Models
I went back to the museum and bought a C-47 (Military DC-3) and assembled it on the Metro. I also spoke to the volunteer coordinator. After displaying my new model in my storage unit, I went to Taco Bell for lunch.

Saturday, 18 July 2009- Walking to DCA from Downtown Washington DC.

Saturday, 18 July 2009- Walking to DCA from Downtown Washington DC.
This morning, after charging my phone at Starbucks, I simply just started walking. I walked down D Street, past the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial. When I stumbled upon Pennsylvania Avenue, I decided this was the perfect time for me to see the White House for the first time. After seeing the White House, I saw a sign indicating the direction of the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial. It intrigued me enough that I decided to check it out. The Tidal Basin had a distinct fishy smell. Near the memorial, I saw bikers and walkers emerging from what certainly looked like a pathway over the river.
I kept walking and soon found myself on the footpath of the bridge over the Potomac River. I stopped for 10 minutes and took pictures of the planes flying over the bridge. This was a historic moment: I crossed a state boundary on foot. I then walked to Gravelly Point where I took many more pictures. I continued my walk to DCA and had a Cinnabon.
Finally, I went to the College Park airport. I enjoyed their Pilot Day activities and looking at exhibits. Then I walked over to the aircraft restoration facility and enjoyed meeting an older retired Eastern Airlines pilot and his friends. They showed me the Aeronca they were restoring, as well as a Pusher.