Hello Everyone,

  We had a good turn out and a camaraderie gathering of our group for the

Dec 15th Fly-In to Big Bear (L35).  Despite an approaching storm that was

threatening San Diego with low ceilings, rain and winds,  twelve people in

six very different planes showed up for the Fly-In.

  Flying out of Montgomery Airport; Andy Silver & Mike Gretton in a Comanche

(PA-24-250), Dennis Cullum in his RV3, and Jim Newport, Bret Strain and me

in a Skymaster (C-337). Dennis actually came out of Brown Field and flew

into MYF to depart with us. Bret Strain was scheduled to fly a Citabria, but

questionable brakes changed his mind and he flew in the 337 with Jim & me.

  Flying out of Gillespie Airport; Jeff Picardi & Jeff Cary in a Cessna

(C-172), Gary Ghio & Gary Kauffman in an Arrow (PA-28-201T) and Robert Werve

& Don Griffith in a Skymaster (C-337).

  San Diego area had 2,500 to 3,000' ceilings with two to three scattered to

broken layers above that. Four planes made IFR departures except Dennis, who

always seems to find a hole somewhere, and Werve who tried some unsuccessful

scud running before working with SoCal to get on top. Once on top, it was

clear, no rain, no bumps and it was smooth sailing with brisk temperatures

all the way to the 6,748 foot high L35. Everyone landed within ten to

fifteen minutes of each other.

  At L35, "Gary Squared" in the Arrow had to make a sudden and unexpected

go-around. A low profile, fast moving, aircraft slipped in front of them and

was still on the runway just as they were crossing over the numbers on

final. It tested their ability to do an impromptu go-a-round at a high

density altitude airport. They passed.

   The temperature at L35 was supposed to be forty-two degrees, but you

couldn't prove it by me. It felt 10 degrees colder as we made the ten minute

walk to Thelma's restaurant. Putting  tables together for twelve people in a

small restaurant designed to hold thirty to forty people took a few minutes.

It was cozy, the food was good, but nothing to write home about, and we had

a good time doing the usual hangar flying and settling world problems.

 Over breakfast we decided the next Fly-In would be on January 19th to

General Fox Field (WJF) near Palmdale, CA. The alternate will be Bullhead

City, AZ (IFP). Initially the January Fly-In was scheduled for the last

Sunday of the month, but later two people phoned me that Super Bowl Sunday

was on that day and a TFR over the stadium might close MYF.

  Bret Strain was our photo guy this time and took some pictures (one with

us around a Big Bear statue... what else up there). Our webmaster, Chris

Claborne, will post it on our website a little later on.

http://www.cyberthought.com/tonytex/

  Also, it may be months away, but remember to schedule the Arlington Fly-In

in July on your calendar. And more importantly, start the process of having

it "sanctioned by the other" in your life.

  Happy Holidays and hope to see you all next year at our January Fly-In.

  Best of clear skies and tailwinds,

Tony Tex