October, 2005
October Club Cookout Attracts Hundreds!
The
Warsaw Flying Club had yet another cookout, by popular demand. This time,
the demand was overwhelming. Over 300 people showed up for the free food,
$10 airplane rides, a rafel, and to learn more about what it takes to become a
pilot. Because of the number of people who showed, the wait for a ride
never subsided below 45 minutes throughout the day. While regrettable that
it took so long to get in the air, it proved to be well worth the wait.
The weather was perfect with scarcely a cloud in the sky, cool temperatures,
light winds, and fall colors on the trees.
Warsaw Flying Club Founder Jon Fussle said, "We could not have picked a better day for this cookout. I just can't believe we were blessed with such beautiful weather and perfect conditions. The crowd has been amazing." While the "Days of Kosciusko" unfolded at the fairgrounds, the persistent buzz of aircraft overhead lured curious passers-by to the airport to join in the fun.
The large turnout is directly attributed to the hard work of Chief Flight Instructor Karina Holstad, who ran a marathon of publicity for the cookout by appearing in the newspapers, on the radio, and supervised advertising throughout the town in the weeks prior to the cookout. Meanwhile, Warsaw's own AvShop (www.AvShop.com), a division of Hand Industries, donated the raffle items to the cookout. They included prizes totaling more than $150. The winners were Cary Smith, Sally Black, Nolan Evans, and Kim Bledsoe.
Jon Fussle (Pictured above, 2nd from left) said that the goal of the cookout was to raise local interest in General Aviation. "So many people in Warsaw don't know we have an airport. This is an amazing place, run by a fantastic staff, and immaculately maintained. It is a 'Field of Dreams' for pilots, and I want to share this place and the experience of flight with as many people as I can. Today has been a day where we have been able to share it with hundreds of people and I'm ecstatic about that."
Brandon Schadek Passes Private Pilot Checkride!
Thursday, October 26, Brandon Schadek took his Private Pilot checkride after months of preparation. It turned out to be well worth the wait as his hard work paid off. He passed with flying colors and is the newest certificated pilot in Indiana.
Mike Miner Solos!
Congratulations to Mike Miner on his first solo. He was cut loose at 5:30pm on Friday, October 14. Of course, I'm sure you could just read that from his shirt tail that he's holding. Well, since I've stated the obvious so far, I'll just add that his instructor is Erik Fussle, who appears to be a CFII, judging by his signature. Anyhow, not unlike Mike's friend and fellow WFC member Brad Jackson's first solo, Miner's solo found darkness rapidly approaching. Nonetheless, Miner pressed on and made two takeoffs and landings as the sun set. Congratulations to Mike Miner on his recent accomplishment.
Karina Holstad Wins EAA's Bomb Drop Competition!
On
October 1st, Dave Fussle and Karina Holstad entered the EAA's Bomb Drop
competition held on the Local Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association's
"Pilot Fun-Day". Karina won, hands down, and was overjoyed at winning the
competition (see picture). Note to self: stay on Karina's good side.