Air Race Classic 2009 - Post #6

What day is it again? Jodie and I have both had to ask. At least we know we're still in Colorado.

After worship with one of my competitors at a nearby church I joined Jodie for lunch, and we were soon joined by Gretchen Jahn, who came in from New Zealand. Gretchen is one pilot I was really looking forward to meeting. Not just because she's won the race before, come in second place twice, and has just tons of experience, and not just because she has run airplane companies, including a stint as the CEO of Mooney Aircraft Co., but also because this accomplished pilot is so humble and generous with information, and is a real asset to aviation.

After a delicious tuna melt sandwich we joined the other racers for the first briefing. In an overall briefing touching on flight plans, fuel management, start procedures, fly-bys, cockpit resource management, safety, and race rules, we learned of two important changes. Every airplane will be equipped with an electronic tracker, a new device the ARC organization will be experimenting with as a back-up for timing. Dual fly-bys will be the other change. I undertand this is a return to the way the race used to be run a few years ago. This should be exciting.

Speaking of exciting, after the general briefing a Take-Off banquet became a tribute to the history of women in aviation, with the introduction of Bernice Haydu, an accomplished pilot and WASP. Slender and healthy looking, still able to wear her uniform, this is her first Air Race, and she'll be part of Team #26. When it came time for her introduction, she received a Standing O - everyone honored just to be in the same room with her. She goes by the nickname of Bee. I leaned over to Jodie and whispered, "Bee is a WASP!" I think that makes her a double-stinger.

Its an impressive list of racers, including one gal just out of high school.

Tomorrow will be the dizzying four hours of briefings - more specifics on weather, fly-bys, and safety - but we're ready. Bring it on!

Meanwhile the weather forecasts have our attention. Wondering how far we'll get each day. Sparta, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Illinois, and Racine, Wisconsin look particularly interesting.

Air Race Classic 2009 - Post #5

Today was aircraft inspection day and the good news is: we passed. Not that there was any doubt, you know.

Being scheduled for the last inspection of the day gave us time to participate in the ARC "Youth Meet the Racers" activities. Like last year, kids were taken to see a race airplane, sit in the pilot seat, and learn a bit about airplanes. Other activities included making paper airplanes and some other creative crafts.

My partner, Jodie, and I were asked to handle the air traffic control game. With multi-colors of chalk, we sketched runways, taxiways, a windsock, ramp, and compass, and then played airplane with the kids. Explaining the numbers on the compass and how they correlate to runway numbers, how wind plays an important part in which way we land or take-off, and what a traffic pattern is, we had the kids "fly" the around the airport, arms outstretched.

Retired air traffic controller, Mary Wunder, a fellow racer, joined us with explaining the controller's job, and when she had to leave for her date with the aircraft inspection crew, I "retired" her again, and we taught the kids how to fly in to an uncontrolled airport.

As Jodie says, it must have been our colorful chalk drawings that landed us an interview by 7-year old Lexi and her publisher dad, Paul, for Airport Journals (www.airportjournals.com). It was an honor to be interviewed by this young, up-and-coming journalist and FWP (Future Woman Pilot). We had to skee-dattle after the interview to make our inspection time, so Paul and Lexi gave us a ride back to the inspection hangar. Lexi and I shared the back seat, along with her babydoll which rode on her lap. Lexi interviewed a number of race teams so if we make the cut, Paul promised to send us copies.

A reception this evening gave us a chance to meet other racers, some old-timers, some first-timers.

The volunteers here are terrific. Guys from the Colorado Pilots Association, and some who I think are 49-and-a-halfs (meaning they are married to a Ninety-Nine), have been shuttling all these chick pilots back and forth between airport and hotel. A good-humored bunch of men and its nice to have their involvement.

So now its time to tuck in for the night. Tomorrow we have the first of many briefings, with more on Monday and first thing Tuesday morning.

The pool of contestants is interesting, from college girls to grandmothers, real estate agents, teachers, engineers, farmers, full-time moms, professional pilots, and various other backgrounds.

Arrived in Denver

Jodie and I arrived in Denver this afternoon. We left Burnet, Texas about 7 a.m. and had to divert around some storms but eventually made it here. Stopped in Perry, OK and gave the weather some time to dissipate. Visited a cute old cafe with some interesting history - "Kumback Cafe". It was started in 1926 and only now has its second owner. Pretty Boy Floyd stopped there in Perry at the Courthouse square in the 1930's, waiving his gun around, he demanded the Kumback Cafe lock their doors - not because he was going to rob them, but because he wanted a hamburger! Then it was in Perry where Charlie Hanger arrested Timothy McVeigh.

The cafe was a cute spot and we refilled our own tanks, then had 65C filled, and off we went to Garden City, KS. A quick turn-around there and soon we were landing at Denver Centennial.

We have a busy schedule before the race begins Tuesday morning. Airplane inspection is tomorrow, along with pilot registration, which is an inspection of our log books, etc. Then an event set up for youth called "Meet the Racers".

Looks like storms forecast for this area this weekend.

Air Race Classic 2009 - Post #4

Countdown! One week to go!

We'll post a pic of N8765C soon.

You can follow us by clicking on the "Follow" tab, or just check in on the blog during the race.

Air Race Classic 2009 - Post #3

One week from today Jodie and I will be in Denver attending safety and pre-race briefings, social events, and tweaking our strategy.

Meanwhile, its a good thing that Kennedy Airport in New York is not on our list of stops!

For ten minutes of humor, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUnVlyyar4M

And, the next time you're flying a U. S. airline, this short clip will help you feel safe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reRRgEET6Kw&feature=related

Air Race Classic 2009 - Post #2

June 6 was the date to meet in Lufkin for the painting of the Compass Rose. In preparation for the Air Race (Lufkin is Stop #3), the Ninety-Nines Houston Chapter and EAA Chapter 1219 members, about 35 folks in all, spent several hours in the hot South Texas sun, measuring, drawing chalk lines, and painting the 60-foot Compass Rose, with the 99s symbol in the center.

I look forward to seeing our friends from Lufkin when we make this stop.

http://www.eaa1219.org/

http://www.ninety-nines.org/

Looks great from the air!

Air Race Classic 2009 - Post #1

Here we go! Gearing up for this year's Air Race Classic, just around the corner!

This year I have a new partner, Jodie Perry, from Austin. I was in Burnet, Texas last fall getting my Tailwheel endorsement with MCFI Ken Wittekiend and he introduced me to Jodie. She keeps her Piper Archer there in Burnet.

We met up in Brenham in the Spring and charted a triangular course so we could fly both airplanes - her Archer and our Cheetah - to see which one fared better against its handicapped speed. The planes flew about the same, but the handicap for the Archer is lower, so we knew we'd have a better shot with her airplane.

Once the aircraft was chosen, the registration packet was sent, and we began discussing strategic plans for the race. Jodie had her mechanics go over the plane in painstaking detail to smooth out any rough places.

Mike and I tacked several World Aeronautic Charts to one living room wall and charted the course. I bought all the Sectional Charts we'll need and Jodie ordered matching shirts for us to wear during the race.

The Air Race Classic sent out press releases and soon we were giving interviews and saving newspapers for our moms.

This year we have tough competition! Seven collegiate teams and some long-time veteran air racers will give us quite a challenge, but we're up for it!

The race begins at Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado. From there, we fly to:
Liberal, KS
Sweetwater, TX
Lufkin, TX
Russelville, AR
Grenada, MS
Sparta, TN
Jacksonville, IL
Racine, WI
Atlantic, IA

Total distance: 2359.0 nautical miles/2714.7 statute miles

Several competitors will be keeping blogs during the race. Check out http://www.airraceclassic.org/ and click on "2009 Race" and then "Race Teams" to check out other blogs.

This is a super fun adventure and we're going to have a great time. Stay tuned!

How to Build a Model using Flight Path Data

Our precious neice built this model of our flight from Texas to Indy as she watched our track on Flight Aware. Take a look at all the detail - Is this cool or what!!!!

Destined to be an aviator

At least I get it honestly!

This is my grandfather. My sis found this from a Google search just the other day. I think the copyright belongs to Corbis, so credit to them, whoever they are. Anyway, it was quite a surprise. Still don't know whether he ever flew, but its a great picture!

Updates

I'll be entering the Air Race Classic again this year (www.airraceclassic.org). I have a different race partner this year and I hope to improve our finish over last year. We compared airplanes a few weeks ago, flying each against its race handicap and have agreed that with the handicaps assigned, her Piper Archer will likely fare better than our Grumman Cheetah. I'd sure like to get that 1st Place trophy!

The race route changes every year; this year we start in Denver, at Centennial Airport. The Archer will perform better there too. I have a few friends and family around Denver so should have some good "fan support".

Other than that, I'm still going round and round with the "publisher", still working at the same job as a paralegal, flying as often as I can, building time, trying to find time to take the check ride for my Commercial Certificate.

I have a new grandson, Liam - #4. Looks like I'm going to be able to squeeze in a quick trip up that way to see baby Liam this weekend. The other two grandsons are here in Texas. I took them to the zoo during their Spring Break... just "Nanny" (that's what they call me) and the boys, ages 6 and 3. I was a good grandparent. I returned them tired, dirty, and full of junk food.

The Boy, the Car, the Muslim

Today my son would be 12 years old. Thanks to all who have kept that date and have taken the time to recognize it.

On this day, at 12:08pm on a busy road in Houston, I gave birth to my son in the front seat of my mother-in-law's car. (I call her Mamacita; the kids called her Gwanny)

She pulled over to the side of the road when it was apparent we would not make the hospital. Out he came, I put him on my lap, and off she drove the rest of the way to the hospital. Everything turned out fine. Mycol was behind us in traffic. Missy was very excited.

Three years ago today I was in Africa on his birthday, in the 10/40 Window, Muslim territory. That was significant for me and if you read the book (when its finally out) you will see why.

Last June I was driving that same car from work on I-10 when traffic stopped up as usual, but the guy behind me wasn't paying attention. He slammed in to me so hard it bent the frame and broke my seat. The car was totaled.

Sure, its just a thing. But I don't have many things. I wanted to keep it.

So I had it towed to the house and put away in the carport.

Then in September we were visited by Ike. Ike took down the carport, leaving a heap of mess on top of the damaged car.

I knew I could not keep the car any longer, regardless what it means to me. I've had to let go of much more precious than that.

So we called the local junk yard to send a wrecker. What we didn't know was that the junk yard was recently sold to some Middle Easterners. And they don't have their own wrecker. They contract with others.

A wrecker driver came to the house. He was wearing a different looking kind of hat, was Middle Eastern, had a beard, so I asked what his religion was. "I am a Muslim."

My heart sank.

He was loading this important but smashed car onto his wrecker. Thoughts of 9/11 flew through my head as I asked myself, "How can I give this car to a Muslim?"

He handed me money for the car. It felt dirty to me and I did not want to touch it.

Mike held me close as the wrecker driver continued to secure the car.

Before he drove off, I said to Mike, "We need to pray." We went to the back porch and sat down on the steps and Mike prayed for us. He prayed specifically for that Muslim man.

I still felt dirty, or wrong, or something. I wondered if I had done something to offend God. I told Mike I cannot keep the money, but that it must go to the church.

The next day I handed over the money to the church secretary and requested it go to the orphanage in Africa. Later that afternoon, the Youth Group arrived to help us with clean-up of the hurricane damage, disassembling the carport mess and hauling off debris.

I poured out my concerns to a mom and dad of one of the members of the Youth Group. The mom said, "Linda, you are probably the only ones who have prayed for that man specifically. We don't know God's ways, but God put him in your path yesterday. Without crossing paths with him, you would never have known to pray for him, and maybe no one has ever prayed for him."

Wow. She was right. I had to look at it from God's point of view.

So today as I honor my son, with a deep ache wishing I could host a 12-year old birthday party, I would like to honor God also. I would like to ask that all my Christian friends and family pray for this Muslim man, the wrecker driver. That would be an awesome way to celebrate my son's birthday.

Our Brother in Christ, Marshall, added this:

The Holy Spirit has been pressing this verse upon me and I believe I need to share it with you. It is the entire 55^th Chapter of Isaiah.

Isa 55:1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.

Isa 55:2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

Isa 55:3 Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.

Isa 55:4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples.

Isa 55:5 Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor."

Isa 55:6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Isa 55:8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

Isa 55:9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isa 55:10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

Isa 55:11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isa 55:12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Isa 55:13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed."

Jesus said “With God all things are possible.” I believe Isa 55:7 speaks directly to your Muslim friend. Jesus died while we were still sinners. He died for all; the sexually perverted, Muslims, Liars, Thieves, and Murderers. As I draw close to Him, I see myself in all those transgressors. We thank You for Your amazing grace O Lord!

May Jesus Christ bless and keep you in His perfect peace!

Stimulus Package Explained

Stimulus package explained:

"Sometime this year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus Payment. This is a very exciting new program that I will explain using the Q and A format:

"Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?
"A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.

"Q. Where will the government get this money?
"A. From taxpayers.

"Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
"A. No, they are borrowing it from China. Your children are expected to repay the Chinese.

"Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
"A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.

"Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China?
"A. Shut up."

Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the US economy by spending your stimulus check wisely:

If you spend that money at Wal-Mart, all the money will go to China.
If you spend it on gasoline it will go to Hugo Chavez, the Arabs and Al Queda
If you purchase a computer it will go to Taiwan.
If you purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to Mexico, Honduras, Chile, and Guatemala.
If you buy a car it will go to Japan and Korea.
If you purchase prescription drugs it will go to India
If you purchase heroin it will go to the Taliban in Afghanistan
If you give it to a charitable cause, it will go to Nigeria.
And none of it will help the American economy.

We need to keep that money here in America. You can keep the money in America by spending it at yard sales, going to a baseball game, or spend it on prostitutes, beer (domestic ONLY), or tattoos, since those are the only businesses still in the US.

Accolades

We've all heard about the homecoming celebration for Capt. Sullenburger... but have you heard...

The Seaplane Pilots Association is presenting Sullenberger with an honorary lifetime membership in the association. The group is also offering him "a complimentary seaplane rating course" at Jack Brown's Seaplane Base in Winter Haven, Fla.

Compressor Stalls

I'd heard the A320 that landed in the Hudson River (notice I said landed, not crashed; as it was definitely a forced landing, but a controlled one!), might have had compressor stalls two days prior. When Mom asked me about that I sat down with Mike to see if I could explain it in an email. Then I figured why not post it for others?

So, in case you're wondering whether a compressor stall would have anything to do with a bird strike - the short answer is no.

And while I'm on the Airbus incident, the pilots certainly did do a great job and it is nice to see that they are reacting to the attention as professionals. It reflects well upon the aviation industry as a whole. Good to get positive media attention. But make no mistake, airline pilots (and charter and corporate, etc.) receive training, called "recurrent" every year. Airline pilots also take a check ride every six months. So their job is on the line every six months with an FAA-designated examiner. Anyway, back to the bird strike and the whispers going around about earlier compressor stalls

It seems the media is reporting "previous compression problems" which is something I have not heard was being investigated. I have heard however that this particular airplane had experienced compressor stalls two days prior to the bird strikes. But the two are not related and a compressor stall does not bring down an airplane. Here's a little bit about jet engines:

Compressor stalls happen in low power settings or going in reverse (reverse thrust is used when landing).

First of all, anytime you hear the word "stall" related to aviation, it is most likely going to refer to aerodynamic stalls. An aerodynamic stall is disruption in air flow that affects lift. We practice stalls all the time. But that refers to the airflow over the wings. We slow the airplane down to idle and as the speed slows, at some point lift is no longer generated because air is not flowing over the wings at the speed necessary to generate lift. To recover we lower the nose, add power and get lift back.

In a jet engine, compressors are used to compress the air prior to mixing with the fuel. It is regulated by computers. Air goes through various "chambers" or "stages" reducing the space, compressing more and more as it is moved through. Picture a shaft that turns little fan blades. Several sets of fan blades lined up down the shaft, descending in circumference so that as air passes from one to the next, the circle of fan blades is smaller and smaller. These are called axial compressors. After the air has compressed through this series of axial compressors, it then enters a centrifugal compressor. Centrifugal force. Spinning so that the air goes out to the sides, making room for more air, thus compressing even more just before mixing with fuel.

Now, at the point where the air is just at the end of axial compressors and just about to enter the centrifugal compressor, at low speed or at reverse thrust - and remember these are run by computers - sometimes the computer doesn't keep up with the exact air flow. Now there is a relief valve there to let out air that just doesn't fit. (Picture filling up a trash bag. There's only so much room. Fill, fill, fill, and pretty soon it's gonna pop.) Well, the air is forced through compressors, more, more, more, and a computer is supposed to open the relief valve when there is too much air. However, if the air gets to be too much before the computer can get the valve open (could be just a split-second), you will hear a "bang" noise. Basically, its a sonic boom; a shock wave is created. Nothing more.

Once the computer catches up, the valve opens, everything goes back to normal. Normally no damage done, just need to adjust the computer and possibly an adjustment to the valve.

When they hit the birds (about 90 seconds after take-off) the engine was turning at about 20,000-30,000 RPMs and when the birds hit those same axial compressor fan blades, the blades disintegrated. Compressor stalls don't happen at those speeds. They happen at low speeds when the computer is trying to regulate the valve in a quick-changing environment.

Let me know if that explanation is clear enough.

Mike assisted me with this explanation, but I have studied jet engines a little bit, some in my classes and some with my private tutor. When we visited the American Airlines museum in Dallas I was able to see a cut-away of a jet engine. That was really helpful to my understanding.

I suspect that non-aviation media has misunderstood "compressor stall" and has translated that to "compression problem". I haven't heard a thing about that airplane having any compression problems.

Why?

The AP published a short article by a Jesse J. Holland this afternoon, titled, "Black churches celebrate Obama's inauguration". Um, why? The churches referred to in the article claim to be Christian churches. The one coronated does not claim to share their faith. I've always heard that supporting someone based solely on skin color is racist. Someone tell me what this is called.

Look through the sunroof - there's the ground!

My formal aerobatic training began Sunday, Nov. 16 at LaPorte Airport. I flew Debby Rihn-Harvey's Super Decathlon and practiced the most basic maneuvers, loops, barrel rolls, and spins. This is the same airplane I used to compete back in May.

The Jan Jones Memorial Scholarship for aerobatic training is made available to one female each year who has a private pilot license or higher and who wishes to pursue aerobatics. The scholarship is kept up by Jan's parents and other donors. I applied for the scholarship and received it, contributing to the cost of this training. I really want to honor the memory and life of Jan Jones, and will give this training my very best effort. I am grateful to her parents for providing this opportunity.

I love doing aerobatics and really didn't want to come down. Looking forward to the next flight!

Celebrating Jessie

Today "our little Jester" would be celebrating her 10th birthday. I wish she was here for us to do that. I know she is celebrating much more than that in heaven, but for those of us left here, these days are hard.

But today I received some wonderful gifts in honor of our baby girl. Several emails and messages from people who remembered and took the time to say so; a very special lunch date with Missy ("baby of the first litter"); and this evening, in honor of Jessie's birthday, I submitted the manuscript to the publisher.

Throughout the Bible are instances where God has picked the youngest child, or one not assumed to take on a certain role, as with David. When I began writing the book, I thought the title would be, "The Courier," as inspired by Mycol, who worked as a courier when we met.

But things changed and God showed me that He picked the littlest one to title the book and to give it it's cover design. The book is now titled, "When We Move to Heaven: A family love story" and the cover was designed by Jessie.

I'm told this publishing company takes an average of 90 days or so, so in a few months I should have the news that it's finally available. There will be a website too that will have that information as well. But for now, I'm just missing our little Jessie, yearning for us all to be together again, and asking Jesus to tell her Happy Birthday from us.

Nebuchabama

For some strange reason I am suddenly bombarded with thoughts of Veggie Tales' Chocolate Bunny story....

Good Answer!

The next time someone asks me why I like flying upside down and doing spins, I have a new answer:

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

The next time one of my older daughters rolls her eyes and says, "Oh, Mom, you're so 1980's," I'll reply:

Inside every older person is a younger person -- wondering what the heck happened.

And the next time I get the crazy urge to stand on a scale, I'll remind myself:

Inside me lives a skinny woman crying to get out, but I can usually shut her up with cookies.


Thanks to my sister Barbara for reminding me of these good answers.

In the Comics

Thought I'd post these four comic strips that mention my grandfather, Percy, who was a race driver.

I remembered having seen these and fortunately Diane saved copies and had them available.

The family story is that either Frank King, the creator of "Gasoline Alley" and other comic strips, or the creator of "The Gumps" was a good friend of my grandfather's. Whoever it was would poke fun at Percy now and then. These comics appeared in the Chicago Tribune and were quite popular. This first one says:

"It would have made an interesting story if I'd kept a diary of that car of mine, Walt. It's seen life."

"That car is its own diary. That fluted fender tells the tale of the day in 1912 you tried to beat Percy Ford to the corner."

"The transmission could tell you about turning turtle if it hadn't lost most of its teeth!"

"That cubist rear tire is a chapter on misplaced confidence and nine stops for repairs on a July day last summer."

The next one says, "But I've got an account at the 10 cent store and I know Percy Ford and everything!"

"Just the same I've got to have CASH!"

Then the two comic strips that appear together:

The Gumps: "Gee the old motor sounds swell today - and pep - you don't have to step on it - just pat it with your foot - it responds to the slightest touch. If a fly landed hard on my foot it would shoot up to 100 miles and hour-"

"Who does that guy think he is? Percy Ford tuning up for the Big Race? That guy has as much respect for the law as a bootlegger has for the 18th Amendment -"

"Pull over - Pull over - You were going 45 miles an hour"

"WHOA!!" "Get out! I haven't been driving an hour-"

And Gasoline Alley, which pokes fun at both my grandfather, and his race mechanic, George Rowell:

"The bearings must be nicely worked in by now, Sleezix. Let's step on it!"

"George Rowell warned me to stay off the speed for the first 500 miles - but it's gone more than that!"

"There I guess Percy Ford can't do any better on the Indianapolis track!"

"Jiggers, Skeezix, a speed cop! I hope he didn't see us!"