So there I was, flying over Folsom Lake in Tony Wright's 1944 Stinson Reliant, getting ready to take some video, when Tony Sr. says to me, "Your airplane". I took the yoke and put my feet on the rudder pedals. My situational awareness was not up to par. I tried to maintain straight and level. Tony instructed me to fly to 3000 feet in the direction of the airport. I couldn't see the airport, but thought I saw the huge tanks near it. He took control of the airplane and I took video of the last 7 minutes of the flight! The landing at AUN was characteristic of a tailwheel airplane. Tony mentioned that he was left of the center line because he was landing based on the left edge of the runway, which he could see. We taxiied and parked next in the Stinson's designated parking place, I had an opportunity to talk to the two aviation podcasters who were along for the ride.
It was time for dinner at the Auburn Airplane Works. I went over there and joined the Wright brothers and their wives, and Evan. Special thanks to Eric, Mike, and Rob from Auburn Airplane Works for hosting it and inviting air show staff, volunteers, and pilots!
We started with nachos and beans for appetizers. The main course was tri-tip I think. I had a Heineken to drink with dinner. It was nice, but knowing I had to drive later tonight, I had only one, and then some sodas. I shared my Stinson Reliant ride video with Evan and Tony who said it'd be okay to put on Youtube. When we had finished eating, I stood up to throw away my trash.
Upon returning to the table, I was stopped in my tracks by the sight of a Monnett designed airplane. My first thought was this v-tailed glider was a Monnett Waiex. I found out the plane belonged to Eric who had been the pilot of today's Aerocar flight, and son of the owner of the aircraft, Ed Sweeney. I had also heard a story about a baby turkey that wandered into the hanger a while ago. I wanted to ask Eric if he named it Avenger, for the Grumman Avenger who gained the not so flattering nickname of Turkey. Having two burning questions for Eric, I eagerly sought him out. I found out the aircraft is called the Monnett Moni. Eric said he was redoing much of the previous builder's work on the Moni and that he had just a few months of work left for it. I also enjoyed hearing about the family's other aircraft, especially their PT-22 Ryan which they sold. We also talked about experiences in Florida, and an exciting event involving the Aerocar.
I learned that Ed was going to be trailering the 1960 Moulton Taylor Aerocar down to Kissimmee where it has spent time at the Kissimmee Air Museum, only this time, his grandson is ready to solo in the Aerocar and get his driver's license driving it, both on the same day! That's a pretty lucky kid! I talked to Ed about the Aerocar a while, and received validation from him as an "air-head"! I wish I could remember the entire conversation with both Eric and Ed - both were wonderful!
Sadly my phone was out of my hands charging, so I missed a lot of photo ops, including the one where I was looking over the Aerocar, and Ed Sweeney opens the door and says, "I've got a better idea, why don't you have a seat." He showed me how the car had both rudder pedals and automobile pedals, and let me look over the instrument panel and handle the Aerocar's yoke. I couldn't turn the yoke, because it was attached to the wheels on the ground - that was until, he put weight on the tail section, lifting up the front wheels, so I could turn the yoke all I wanted. It was a very neat experience! Ed Sweeney is a remarkable man!
After most of the guests left, I was talking to Martha and getting ready to leave myself, when I learned she was married to Mike of Auburn Airplane Works. I talked with her further as people were checking out Eric's Moni. Eric demonstrated how he sat in the aircraft, and some others did too. Soon, Ed encourages Eric to let me try, telling him I'm a real "air-head" I found the entry and egress much the same as when I entered and egressed Brian Dempsey's Sonerai II Miss Annapolis last year at the College Park Aviation Museum AirFair100. Actually, once I was inside the Moni, I asked if I could sleep the night away in it. I got a good laugh for that request. Martha, who turned out to be Mike's wife, was fun to hang out with. I wish I could have had some wine with her, but didn't want to mix beer and wine. Besides, I had to drive to the other side of the airport.
July 11, 2010 Sunday
I emerged from my van about 7am when I saw the guys begin towing the airplanes from there temporary resting place on the western outskirts of the airport. I tried several times to get their attention as they drove back and forth and as I walked toward the offset parking. Barely so much as a wave in acknowledgement. I figured if I meet up with them where they are hooking up the airplane, I could at least get them to answer a question or two. I was wrong. They hooked up the towbar and made no eye contact as I stood right there in front of them. I waited until they left and came back but received the same reception, except I heard them say to each other as they approached: "oh, it's that girl". I decided they weren't worth my time and made my way to Wings Grill to have some coffee.
As I approached wings Grill, I saw Al and Debbie. Al and Debbie are building either a Curtiss Jenny or Stearman in their hangar. They invited me to join them at their table. They were expecting more people to come, including Nancy and Bill whom I had met at the Aerospace Museum of California Crab Feed and Star Trek exhibit grand opening. Bill does aviation photography and Nancy flies a 1940 Stearman PT-17.
I had the biscuits and gravy for breakfast. They were very good, but I could have gotten by with a half order.
As soon as I finished dinner, I saw Mike Duncan of Mach 5 Aviation. I said to him, "I should have gone to you first about helping with airplane towing"! Then I explained how the two guys this morning gave me a cold shoulder. Thirty seconds later, he had me working with Joannie Mooneyham and her husband. Her husband drove the truck, and Joannie and I hooked up the towbar. We did about 6 planes, and simply had fun! While working/having fun, Eric flew his Taifun at the airport runway and demonstrated its maneuverability. I also watched as Al Buchner departed in his Waco QDC.
Before leaving AUN, I talked to Ed and Eric at the Auburn Aviation Works hangar, and wished Ed a pleasant trip to Kissimmee. The Aerocar's wings and empennage were transformed into the trailer for the Aerocar and I asked Ed for permission to take some pictures, which he granted.
I also stopped over at Mach 5 Aviation and chatted with Abby, the receptionist. Then I got talking to the fuel guy, I think his name was Ed also. He had worked for United and was teasing me about my Southwest Airlines hat. I invited him to look at the chapter on United Airlines in my book called "Classic American Airlines" which he did. In turn he gave me stress ball airplane, and some other promotional items from AV Fuel.
Just as I was about to leave, Evan drove in. I talked to him and thanked him for such a wonderful experience. Then I got in the van and drove back to Elk Grove.
Next Tuesday, I'm going on a roadtrip with Phil Paguio to Montana where he has a clock repair office. Then on the 24th, I'm flying Southwest Airlines to Chicago and then making my way north for my very first experience at Oshkosh Airventure, the largest airshow in the US. I have already arranged with the Seaplane Pilots Association to work as a volunteer for them. They're even supplying a farmhouse style lodging!
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