Back in the air

X3 Skier

X3 Skier

Final Approach
PoA Supporter
Joined
Jul 3, 2011
Messages
5,480
Location
GDK & SBS
Display Name
Geezer
Home Airfield
GDK Greene County
Almost two months after the USAF shut down the Aero Club at WPAFB with a very large fleet including a Cougar and a Baron and the oldest club in the DoD, I got back in the air at the reconstituted Private Club at I19. A large number of the members and all of the instructors transferred to the "Mac Air Aero Club". The owner of Mac Air at I19 who provides numerous services to WPAFB including Flgiht training for Flight Surgeons and other services to local industry supported the move and is an excellent host.

The club is slowly rebuilding the fleet and just recently put a Warrior on the line in addition to a 172, a 182 and the Grumman Cougar on lease back.

To my amazement, I made a couple of the best landings in quite a while and ended with my semi usual thump at the end of the flight.:D

Nice to be back in the sky although I do miss the 10000' x 150' runway at WPAFB.:wink2:

Cheers
 
Why did they close the WPAFB flying club? Not enough income to self support?
 
Last edited:
BillTIZ said:
Why did they close the WPAFB flying club? Not enough income to self support?
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The Air Base Wing CC claimed the club was losing money and the USAF couldn't afford to support. Several members disputed that and showed it was actually profitable the last few years after prior management had been less than diligent with operations. The hangars were also in pretty bad shape but that was not part of the Aero Club budget.

Local Congressmen got involved but in the end the Air Base Wing stonewalled everyone and since it was Non Appropriated Funds, it was curtains. Personally, I think other NAF activities like the golf courses and others rated higher with the powers that be.

Cheers
 
Did you just suggest that an AFB close a golf course in favor of a flying activity? MWR is gonna have your ass! :)
 
ChrisK said:
Did you just suggest that an AFB close a golf course in favor of a flying activity? MWR is gonna have your ass! :)
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As a member of both I would never suggest that even if it were true. :goofy:

Yesterday was pretty busy at I19 with four airplanes waiting for fuel when I returned. Sort of reminded me of a hot dog day at Sporty's but no hot dogs. Had to do some circles to fit into the pattern.

Cheers
 
I19 is our stop when we go to Dayton. Great airport and staff.
 
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