Photos
In April 2004 Air Sailing received notice from the Washoe County Department of Community Development that we were out of compliance with their zoning and would have to work with them to become compliant. This would involve two steps - a Development Plan for the entire gliderport and a separate Special Use Permit for the trailers. The Development Plan was submitted on October 15, 2004 and a letter of approval was received November 7.
The Trustees of Air Sailing, in conjunction with Nevada Soaring Association, have invited North Valley’s High School Air Force JROTC Program cadets to participate in our Youth Soaring Participation Program, funded by the Air Sailing Jim "Billy Goat" Hayes Memorial Scholarship Fund. In 2004, this Program offers cadets three activities: Glider Orientation Presentations, opportunities for Cadet Volunteers, and eligibility for scholarship assistance in pursuit of an FAA Glider Pilot Rating. More
Flying Eagle developers had been planning to request a re-zoning of their 650 acre parcel from 40 acre minimums to 10 acre minimums. The the application was withdrew in late December. This is good news for Air Sailing. More (PDF)
Ray Duncan died unexpectedly on November 10. He flew his HP-11 at Air Sailing from the mid-80's through 1997. 1VT's distinctive V-tail was a familiar sight during those years, tied down in front of Ray and Terry's travel trailer just north of where the clubhouse stands now. Ray moved to Tennessee in 1998 to be closer to his kids. Hhe flew there for a couple years before selling the HP in 2000. Ray contributed to Air Sailing in many ways, including doing work on the irrigation system and the windmill, acting as line boss for the XC Camp, and many other smaller ways. Ray will be remembered in a memorial service at Air Sailing in the spring.
Bob McKee died on November 3 while snorkeling in Hawaii. Bob was a long-time member of ASI and NSA, flying under the callsign Chickadee. He flew a Hornet (QB) for many years and was equally at home in a 1-26. His background as a geologist gave him an extensive knowledge of Nevada and he would often point out the names of remote mountains while on safari. He was a towpilot for NSA as well as an instructor. In addition to flying he was an active skier, both downhill and XC. Dr. McKee was a longstanding professor of engineering at UNR.
Bob Spielman (Chukar) used his extraordinary Pawnee locating talents once again to acquire N4625Y for the Nevada Soaring Association. The plane was totally refurbished in 2001 with ceconite wings and a metal belly. Air care exhausts and a new ignition system (Shower of Sparks) were installed. During this refurbishment an STC was incorporated to achieve permanent compliance with the wing spar AD. The engine is running strong with all compressions over 70 and with 3-4 qt usage between oil changes. The oil has been changed every 25 hr and a new filter installed every 50 hr. This Pawnee also received oil/air oleos replacing the bungees during the refurbishment. The pilot was a perfectionist and has the lift struts and cable braces tuned up so that it flies beautifully.
At long last the ASI Pawnee is certified by the FAA to tow gliders. We will conduct the final tow pilot training flights, involving towing gliders, tomorrow morning Wed 8 Oct, and will remain on station for any afternoon tows.
This year's Silent Auction boosted the coffers during a small but enjoyable annual banquet.
Over 35 people turned out to help get the gliderport tuned up for summer. From planting trees to protecting the clubhouse from malicious woodpeckers to cleaning out the hangar and whacking zillions of weeds, everyone rolled up their sleeved and pitched right in. Workers were sustained by hot dogs and beans, coordinated by Virginia Rhodes. Thanks to Dale Thompson for organizing this important yearly event. See report
With the upcoming relocation of Palomino Valley Soaring to South Lake Tahoe, Air Sailing needed a new towplane. Spearheaded the search, Bob Spielman and Jim Hays found a 235-hp Pawnee in Wisconsin. Jim checked it out, found it suitable and flew it back from Wisconsin in 200 mile hops. It's in for annual and should be online by the end of April.
Air Sailing hosted a local Jr. ROTC orientation to soaring on April 19. All 17 cadets, plus their Commanding Officer received a ground briefing before taking their first glider ride. We look forward to having many of these cadets apply for the Billy Goat Hays scholarship so they can continue the pursuit of motorless flight. Thanks to Jim Hays for coordinating the event and Jim Crane for running the line.
Please read the updated agreements for flying in Class A airspace near Air Sailing and Minden.
You can now reserve an Air Sailing trailer on-line. The reservation system tells you all about each of our 6 trailers. It allows you to check availability and make a reservation online. See it for yourself!
ASI was presented with an Exceptional Service Award this year at the PASCO banquet for promoting a family friendly atmosphere at the gliderport through construction of the new club house and west bath house. The family friendly initiative was launched by a generous donation from Bob and Barbara McKay.
Starting in April 2003 Air Sailing hangar and tie down rates will increase slightly. Rate Sheet
This year's Banquet and Silent Auction was not only fun, but lucrative.
Installation of kitchen cabinets in the clubhouse marks the completion of ASI's major construction project for 2002. The club house and west bath house will remain open all winter, though the heat will be set at 50. The hot water has been set to "vacation" mode, so don't expect a hot shower. If you drop by this winter please be sure to keep the doors closed.
Lori Brand,44, died quietly in her sleep on August 12, 2002 in Portland Oregon. Lori suffered in pain and other health problems especially during the past year. Lori was active in the the Civil Air Patrol teaching soaring to the young Cadets and an active pilot with the Willamette Valley Soaring Club. She enjoyed many happy hours in her own Blanik L33 soaring in Oregon and at Air Sailing in Nevada. Born in San Fransico, Lori graduard from San Jose State College while at the same time earning many pilot ratings through ATP, She worked fpr the FAA Flight Standards as a Flight Safety Inspector in their Portland office. As an instrutor for the National Rifle Association Lori instructed many women in fire arms safety and self defence as well as being active with the the Women Soaring Pilots Association, the 99's, and Women in Aviation. Lori is survived by her mother , Evelyn Brand in Sacramento and her sister. Lisa Brand, in Oakland California. She is also survived by her best friend Jay Sumpter.
Long time Region 11 pilot Joe Findley died returning to Truckee from a long cross country flight. Joe was a great friend of Air Sailing and of all pilots in Region 11.
Dudley Mattson, long time 1-26 pilot and Air Sailing member, died on January 8after a long illness. He passed away in his sleep at home in Vallejo, California. Dudley was born in Mansfield, Ohio, graduated from the University of Michigan in 1946 and received a PhD in forestry in 1971. He met Elsie Porter in Michigan and they were married for more than sixty years.
Dudley worked as a forester, taught forestry at Iowa State University and Washington State University, and was an economist for the EPA in Virginia and California. He served as an Army Air Corps instructor pilot from1941-1945. After the war he flew light aircraft while working as a forester, but soon became an avid sailplane pilot, making many daring 1-26 flights on the ridges of northern Virginia. After retiring in California he moved his bird, 074, to Air Sailing and spent many happy days flying there. He competed many times in the 1-26 Championships, in later years teaming with Al Dressner or Key Dismukes. During a Championship in Colorado Dudley made an indelible impression on the 1-26 community by completing the assigned task on a day so weak no one else even attempted to leave the field.
Carole died on November 26 after a five year fight with cancer. Everyone who has been around Air Sailing and the Nevada Soaring Association will remember Carol's smile, her upbeat and gracious manner and the way she made everyone feel welcome. While you might be tempted to think of Carol as the strength behind Vern (you'd be right), she was always very much her own person - strong, perky and very interesting to talk with.
Warm and loving stories from family and friends were abundant at a memorial service held in Reno on December 3. She will indeed be missed.
Fran left us on Saturday, November 18 after a brief fight with cancer. Francis had been crewing for Mike Green at Nationals and Regionals, Fallon Dashes, and whatever for many years. Fran has been Mike's copilot in The NCSA Grob 103 and in the most recent years, in their Duo Discus. Mike says "I would not have been able to fly at all in 1998 without his help. He has spent three to six weeks each year living with me in my motor home. He has been a dear friend and I will miss him very much."
Monique Weil says:
Our dear friend Fran passed away in his sleep a short while ago this afternoon. His wife, close friend Oren and his niece were at his bedside. Mike Green had visited earlier.
There had been no change in Fran's status of minimal neurological response and he was peaceful and not in pain. His surgery was two weeks ago today . Initially the medical staff had stated there was no way of knowing whether he would become more responsive or improve neurological function. A few days ago, his surgeon told us that he held no more hope for any improvement; he apparently suffered severe brain damage during the surgery and subsequent bleeding into the brain, which required a second operation that day.
Fran had explicitly stated and signed an "advance directive" to request no artificial prolonging of life if he were severely disabled or mentally incompetent. The hospital supported his wish but left it up to the family to give approval. After essentially two weeks of no change, Betty Ann agreed to removal of the feeding tube when he was transferred to the Walnut Creek hospital. She felt more comfortable that he would get good care in a hospital than in a nursing home, where he would otherwise be transferred. It has been very emotionally trying for her and she will continue to need support from family and friends.Fran did not wish a funeral or special ceremony; the exception he shared with me was his approval of an informal get together at the airport with his flying buddies ..... Mike Schneider will be organizing this in due course. ....
Fran was a good friend and I feel very sad ....three weeks ago, he was an able and functioning pilot, psychologist, handy man and good friend . It is hard to absorb such a rapid turn of events; with others, I mourn his loss.
Monique
Once again friends of Air Sailing came together in October to enjoy an evening of "there I was" tales from the summer, along with ASI's yearly awards and lots of fun things to bid on at the Silent Auction.
Soaring pilots, friends and family throughout the West came together at Air Sailing on Saturday, June 9, to celebrate the lives of Alex and Marge. Fallon's Volunteer Fire Department drove over in their newly washed fire truck (dust devil took care of that shine real fast) and the ceremony was opened by a military precision missing man flyby of 1-26s. Stories and tributes spanned over 30 years of soaring history, and everyone there had a special memory. We sang the Air Sailing Song and enjoyed an instrumental written especially for Alex by Jimmy Hamilton. By prior arrangement, at 1:30 pm all FBOs in Region 11 announced on 123.3 that Alex was on final glide at Air Sailing.
Air Sailing hosted twenty-three people over the weekend of June 2nd and 3rd for the Short-Winged Gathering. This was a calling together of pilots, friends, and their modest span gliders.
Thanks to the generous donations of over 60 people, Air Sailing is well on the way toward a goal of $300,000 to support our "family friendly" capital fundraising campaign. More info
Over 50 people enjoyed traditional fun and good times at the Air Sailing Awards Banquet and Silent Auction on October 21. Entertainment was provided by David Volkmann's home movies, and over $2,200 was raised to support gliderport operations.
The 22nd Annual Women's Soaring Seminar enjoyed great weather at Air Sailing in Nevada last week, July 10-14. 24 pilots came from the US, Greece and Finland to find 17K foot cloud bases. Many silver, gold and diamond badge legs and at least one state record were achieved. Pilots flew everything from ASW-27s and Discuses to Schwiezers and Ka-6s. Interesting lectures and world class dinners kept the group happy before and after the soaring day.
Key Dismukes wins ASI Sports Class Contest
This was a small contest, but a great race. We had good
soaring, especially in the early part of the contest week. It was safe,
fun and friendly, par for the course at Air Sailing.
The final scores give the win to Key Dismukes, who flew very consistently throughout the 5 contest days, never finishing less than third for the day. Trailing Key by less than 200 points was Jim Hamilton, who made a valiant effort to take the win, coming in first 2 contest days. Chad Moore took third in his Russia, even though an equipment problem kept him on the ground the last contest day.
The first of many projects associated with ASI's Capital Fundraising Campaign and long range growth plans is now ready for your enjoyment. This shade structure looking out on 17/35 provides crew and others with a great place to watch the launches, read, have lunch and hang out in cool comfort under the trees and out of the dust. Photos
34 members and friends showed up. Major activities included: Tree trimming, post hole digging (60-some of them), windmill repair, hangar sweeping, tetrahedron painting, construction of a tire barrier to define the culvert, painting of the office overlook railing and steps, picked up rocks off the runway, sorted junk, repaired the irrigation system, chop weeds, and enjoyed lunch. Workers were: Chad Moore, Dave Moore, Dave and Kathleen Cunningham, Charlie and Rosemary Hayes, Bob Spielman, Bob McKay, Roland Swirsky, Alex and Norma Burnette, Barbara Morgan & Ruben Zelwer, Bob Dwyer, Jerry Mowbray, Dick and Diane Horn, Ed Lord, Mark Lord, Peter Neumann, David Volkmann, Theresa and Daniel Volkmann, Bob McKee, David and Virginia Rhodes, Ty White, Mike and Janice Hoke (and new puppies), Nevin Nyswonger, Joe Carter, Pam Sutton & Bruce Laxalt, Rolf Peterson, Dale Thompson
A surprise letter from the BLM informed us that, by widening the west road, we had disturbed a known site on public land containing prehistoric cultural materials. This was news to us, and David Volkmann quickly got in touch with the BLM to work things out. Air Sailing engaged an archeological research firm to assess the site and, after discussion/negotiation, the BLM's conclusion is that we don't have to do any reconstructive work on the site.
A new generator was installed at Air Sailing to replace the old and failing Lister generator. The new generator is much quieter and should help improve morning and evening ambiance at the gliderport. Procedures for starting the generator are different than the Lister - be sure to get checked out before trying to start it.
Air
Sailing Jim "Billy Goat" Hayes Soaring
Scholarship Fund established.
In a surprise announcement at the October Air Sailing Silent
Auction and Banquet, Ed Lord donated $1,000 to start this fund, and Clair
Sebald added $500. At the April 2000 Board of Trustees meeting, the
board adopted a proposal to create the Air Sailing Jim "Billy
Goat" Hayes Soaring Scholarship Fund to educate youths in the art and
science of soaring and gliding at Air Sailing Gliderport.
The Washoe County Planning Commission granted conditional to the Flying Eagle Airpark Ranch (FEAR) to construct a complex of houses with taxi-to hangars just south of Air Sailing. Trustee Rolf Peterson and ASI's legal counsel Bruce Laxalt worked with the FAA and the Planning Commission to coordinate take off and landing patterns and frequencies. As yet, no lots have been sold, nor have FEAR's runways been established.
In an act of unparalleled generosity, Bob McKay has donated over $100,000 to Air Sailing. Funds are to be used to improve "creature comforts" such as a bunkhouse and improved bath house facilities
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