Skylark Flyers Blog

I moved the site from a service in Albany because they stopped answering questions for months.

I found a new hosting service in Chicago, but the server was on some email blacklists. While I made arrangements to another service, they had some problems, and the service was moved to Dallas.

Since I wasn’t too fond of the communications at that service either, I went ahead and purchased a hosting package from that third service. I asked to be put on a server they have in Scranton, but after a few days, they had network problems at that site, and we were moved to Portland, Oregon.

That server didn’t have the necessary files in place to run our shopping cart, so I asked to be moved to yet another server. So now we’re in Miami.

Oh yes, I almost forgot…The company I purchased this current service from is based in Singapore.

I’ve got the chapter web site moved to a new server. There shouldn’t be any difference once I get everything set, but this site gives us more room to grow, and more control over the system. It looks like everything is working except the calendar and store. If you would like an email address on eaa1310.org, please let me know.

Jim Glista and I got the trailer that is being donated to us moved today. It was in some soft ground, and we got it on to a hard surface to make it easy to move when we’re ready. We expect to be able to bring it over to Skylark within the next week or so. I accidentally had my phone in movie mode, so the pictures aren’t the best. We’re going to have to do some basic work on the trailer before we can start to equip it for a kitchen. While the structure is in good shape and is weather tight, some supports are corroded and will need to be sanded and painted. The paint on the siding is chalking, and the lighting will need some work. The plywood floor has some oil stains, so we’ll need to put some flooring down.

The height is about 8 feet, so it has plenty of room. We’ll need to design the water and electrical system, as well provisions for propane cooking. The trailer sits higher than most current enclosed trailers, but it should work well for us.

A busy weekend is finished. We had our fall Young Eagles event, and while we only had 20 kids fly with us, everyone had a good time. Pepsi donated soda to us, and Hot Seat loaned us their flight simulator system for the weekend. Jack and I will discuss other methods of publicizing the event so we get more participants.

We brought the simulator to the Simsbury Fly-In, and Chuck Drake did a great job putting together a riveting demonstration where kids make a name tag. Vans Aircraft donated the base aluminum pieces, and Southwest Airlines donated wings to attach to the base plate.

I can finally take a break from chapter work. I found a bunch a stuff in my dishwasher filter, so the arms spin again. I also got about 75 shrubs trimmed today.

Here’s another design. The designer calls this a roadable aircraft instead of a flying car. This one is based on a motorcycle with folding wings. The design is still in a prototype stage, and the company exhibits at the EAA Fly-In Convention to get feedback from the best audience out there. Joe Caravella, the owner of the company has made two presentations this year on roadable aircraft. He covered optimizing the compromises, construction techniques, licensing and testing. He made a presentation , and had his prototype at the new Homebuilder’s Hangar on the airport. The vehicle is currently drivable. The wings, tail and propeller drive system are next. Visit http://www.caravella.aero for more information.

Control Vision has introduced its new Quadra aviation GPS system. It has optional sectional charts, approach plates and XM weather. On the ground it has 3D street mapping and comes with a car and yoke mount. Resolution is 800X480 which is much higher than similar systems with a 4.3″ display. The cost is $595 for the base model. Add $200 for sectional charts or $400 for sectional charts, enroute charts and approach plates. Rebates are available through the end of August. Visit www.anywheremap.com for full information.

The Scotts / Miracle Gro company has become s sponsor of the Warbird Alley at the EAA convention site. Besides a nice looking grass area, there is a new presentation pad where the Warbirds in Review programs were held. A permanent Veterans Tribute monument is also part of the area. The new Scotts Warbird Alley provides improved access and a memorable setting for these rare aircraft.

Next year is the 100th anniversary of Naval Aviation. A commission has been set up with the mission to honor a century of mission-ready men and women and recognize unique avitaion-related achievements through event driven celebrations.

Of the 34 special commemoration events, a couple include June 25-26 at the National Guard Association of Rhode Island Open House, and the EAA Fly-In Convention on July 25 – August 1. Navy aviators will participate in air shows, fly-overs, special demonstrations, static displays and industry booths.

For further information…

I’ll post more important information later, but here’s the free stuff I got at the Saturday event.

Mercy Hospital / Springfield Armor T-Shirt
Mohegan Sun T-Shirt
Mohegan Sun bottle opener
Peter Pan Bus beach ball
TD Bank lighted yo-yo
TD Bank tissues.

Saturday was the day to see airplanes flying and a huge crowd. Today has 1600′ overcast, so I’ll bet not much is flying.