April 19th, 2009

Float Flying Season Opens

For the past few years, the only flying we could do at our neighboring pond would be mud flying and we’d have to fight the weeds for even that little bit of water. Our long, cold, wet winter has changed all that in a big way. If we get any more water we will have to start measuring our floats in cubits.

We scheduled our first float fly on April 19th at Sheridan Lake -- like we did last year, but with New Underwood Lake now usable the site was changed by event director Denny Bernal.

Quite a few pilots showed with more than the usual number of new float planes. Gene Kelley had two new floaters. He put the first water flight on his new Great Planes Seawind and on a beautiful new quarter scale Cub. Both planes flew great with the were airborne a number of times. There is really no more pleasing site that a Cub on floats making lazy turns around the pond.

The plane that drew the most attention was Doc’s new KMP Canadair CL215 twin engine float plane. As usual, he kept this airplane hidden from public view somewhere in the black ops section of his work shop. This new plane is powered by two O.S. .55’s. Doc had done his homework well and, when started, they ticked away in well oiled, unison. The first flight was a little jittery with the plane leaping into the air when power was applied. Darrell Cassidy lent a hand at the trims and after some anxious moments and some down trim, it circled the lake with ease. Landing was a real greaser too. On the second flight, it once again leapt into the air and this time, as Doc corrected, the nose touched hard enough to flip it over. Doc solved the trim problems and brought the plane back a week later with the bugs worked out. It has plenty of power and should be a great attraction a the Custer State Park fly in May.

Darrell Cassidy brought his Seamaster and Ken Corrin flew his Lanier seaplane. Both these planes are veterans of several summers and fly very well.

Bob Olson flew his new Eagle on Geebee floats. With the enlarged tail and aileron surfaces, he has made this airplane into a superb float plane. It has power to spare and handles very well in the air. Bob did have a little trial with his old Lake Wobegon, Eagle. That airplane has been around for more than a few summers and in the air the engine mount proceeded to work itself away from he fire wall. He managed to make it back to the water in one piece and on examination, found the mount hanging by one bolt. He was suitably rewarded for this superb bit of flying by being presented with Farkle, the Fickle Flying Fish. His responsibility is to award this eye catching trophy to the next flyer.

Denny Bernal has the fiberglass patched on the tuned pipe water demon and screamed around the lake with it a few times to the delight of the onlookers. He also has a new .25 size Great Planes trainer on floats that he says he ‘pulled out of the rafters’. It was marginal with the worn out K&B .20 on it, but word has it that it now sports a brand new O.S. .36 which should make a little difference.

I have a new floater called a Newbie. It is a small ‘Bee’ airplane built from a kit. It is powered by a .30 4 stroke. I did not fly it on the 19th, but I did get 2 good flights in the next weekend. It is a real joy.

The good news is the condition of New Underwood lake. We will wait and see how well the weeds grow, but for now, it and the weather have been perfect.. We will also practice our skills at Stockade Lake during the Custer State Park open house. Hope to see you there.