Van's Air Force - Minnesota Wing
The Twin Cities RV Builder's Group
A Trip to Van's Homecoming
Departure date: Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Unfortunately Tom's RV-8 had some engine problems just prior to the big trip. So he stayed home and Steve Foster has filled in as "Squadron Leader"
The group left as scheduled on Wednesday, August 27. Here's updates and photos from Alex Peterson...
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Wednesday, August 27...
Note from Doug.... The MN Wing squadron left bright and early. I had to work and just happened to be leaving for Newark at the same time. As we climbed out eastbound, I turned on #2 radio to the air-to-air frequency and there they were, yakking it up across central Minnesota. The captain and I listened to this blatant disregard for proper radio discipline as we climbed to FL 410. I was still talking to Tim Mahoney when we were over Madison. Lot of range on those little radios if the receiver is about 7 miles high!!
BTW: The squadron consisted of: Steve Foster (RV-8), Tim Mahoney (RV-4), Dale Field (RV-6A), Elden Lampretch (RV-4), John Stevenson (RV-6), Alex Peterson (RV-6A), Bernie Weiss (Bonanza) and the Dumphries Flyers (RV-8)
Wednesday dispatch from Alex...
"We had a good day today, 8 planes flew generally together to McCall Idaho, about 7 hours flying time. Weather generally good, turbulent but manageable. Tomorrow we go to the Portland area, only a couple hours' flying time, and not as high of terrain as today. Pictures are "dumbed down" since I'm connecting via cell phone."
Looks like the Squadron on the ramp in North Big Horn, WY
Big rocks near Yellowstone Park
Alex's son Andy next to the restaurant at the McCall, ID airport (so that's what they do with old Cherokees!)
Friday, August 29...
Here's some new photos from the MN Wing's invasion of Oregon.... they are still low resolution for quick download, but pretty cool regardless.
Alex Peterson (RV-6A) and Steve Foster with Mount Hood in the background
A buzz job on Mt Hood performed by Bernie Wiess with Ron Elshelman recording the evidence
Bernie's Bonanza with Mt Hood in the background. Taken by Alex in his -6A