THE LONG RUN

The LBA Memorial Day Weekend Fly-in started out, for me, last fall, when I again missed flying in to our last fly-in of the year. Perpetual motor problems and no free time have been my norm for quite a while, but last fall's fly-in was the last straw. Pledging full flying participation in 1996, I began a campaign to restore my flight status, which finally ended up with buying another engine. With continual bad luck on my favorite MX, I turned to the MX II for relief.

After the inspections and the loss of a little blood on May 11, I assembled the rebuilt MX II at Coastal, only to hear the engine knock loudly. With my emotions balancing between anger and despair, pictures of a wild eyed madman with an evil grin, wrenching my hands, before a huge ultralight explosion, appeared in my head. With not much to loose, I flew it anyhow. The knock was as loud as the prop.

On hearing this and knowing repair would be weeks away, a very good friend and exceptional LBA member, generously offered me the loan of an engine, for the upcoming flight activities. I accepted, and agreed to buy it an a very good price. I want to say THANK YOU in a very big way to Hossfly, for getting me flying for the first two LBA events in '96, and many more to come. With members like this, The Lite Blue Angels club can't help but be the best around.

On Saturday, May 18, Jim Hassell, Hossfly, Bo and Jeannie Benedict, and my son Josh and I flew to Lilian Ala. for Chip's birthday party. On our arrival over Chip's place, and several times later, this LBA squadron water-bombed the party in the spirit of good, clean fun. It was a good day of fun, friendship, and flying. That evening, Joshua flew us back to Coastal, after take-off and climb-out, and did a great first and second landing, with little help from me. I am astonished how well he did, says the proud papa of this 11 year old.

Saturday, May 25, was a calm, hot day from the start. Ultralighters from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida were represented at our Memorial Day Weekend Fly-in, with enthusiasm. The flying was bumpy, with thermals boiling the air and stirring the wind, but many skilled pilots made it look like just another flight at the bean patch.

The competitive events went well, as many pilots displayed expertise and resolve. Though rough conditions made competing tough, many scores were close. But, our crew of volunteer workers and judges handled the ground work smoothly. My best event was the bomb drop, where my advantage was my bombardier, Joshua Humphries.

There was a good turn-out of spectators, who seemed to enjoy the exhibition. Prime commodities were shade and cool drink in the stifling heat. A reprieve was given, however, when a late afternoon shower interrupted the show. This was a good break for food and rest, and was a much needed cool down. Although many left during the rain, conditions were cool and perfect afterwards, and the competition continued. In ideal flying weather, my wife, Lottie, and I enjoyed the evening's flying by taking photos and silently gliding in from high to a gentle touch down.

After dark, the festivities resumed with the awards presentations at fireside, in Bert's hanger. Harris "Hammer" Kinnard seemed the personality of the evening. After being presented the Overall First Place Trophy, he also won the smiling contest and entertained us all with his very talented guitar playing, electronic drummer, and singing.

The Sunday morning crowd enjoyed good breakfast with fellowship, in the open air hanger. A little flying, and group pictures were taken of those present and trophy winners, to be sent in to USUA. I put on a little aerobatics show & cleanup began.