Bob Keech, good friend, "gone west"
Great pilot, storyteller, friend and EAA member (also past-president) has passed from our presence. Bob will be missed by all but not forgotten. Story time at each chapter meeting will be called "Bob Keech Time" in honor of this wonderful person. See the Ithaca Journal Obituary here.
CarolAnn Garratt: EAA 811 Show
Carol Ann Garratt gave a wonderful talk on flying around the world in her stock Mooney 201 (Thanks to Pete DeGraff). In December 2008, with Carol Foy, she set a world speed record of 156 hours (only 46 on the ground). The planning and execution of this flight were amazingly detailed and safety oriented. 60-70 people showed up to watch the show.The impetus for both flights was to raise funds for the ALS Therapy Development Institute and to honor Carol Ann's mother who died of ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). Thanks to Pete DeGraff for arranging this on short notice, to David St. George for coordination and Tom Weber of East Hill for "instant sound reinforcement!" Lee White transported all the chairs (again!)
Thanks for helping with the Young Eagles Rally May 15th. We flew 80+ new excited pilots!!
Young Eagles Rally a Great Success!
We had a great day flying at our Young Eagles Rally. The weather was mostly cooperative and we flew about 80+ young people for their first time. You have to be there to fully understand the happiness and excitement this brings to these kids. There are now many Young Eagle Certificates and pictures (thanks to Pete) tacked to bedrooms walls all around town. Hopefully we have created new dreams about flying planes and helicopters! This is the future of flying and the EAA. More pictures <here>
When we fly Young Eagles they become eligible for a complete ground school from Sporty's Pilot Shop. This "Next Step" program helps move young people along into the actual training involved in becoming a pilot.
At this Young Eagle Rally we had a young man that is currently awaiting his helicopter training slot at Ft. Rucker. He took a Young Eagles Ride three years ago here in Ithaca and this was what inspired him to become a pilot! This program works.
Lets make 2011 even better!
We have set a goal of flying 200 Young Eagles again for next year's rally (we will make this!) We will need volunteers from both EAA Ithaca Chapter 811 and from the East Hill Flying Club. Arrangements are already underway to cover the myriad details of this amazing event. A major focus for success will be getting the publicity underway sooner to assure a greater turn-out. Tell your friends and neighbors. Join the fun next year! <pictures>
EAA 811 YOUNG EAGLES; Saturday, May 14th, 2011!
