******Straight-Tail 182 Fly-In******

Well, we found a break in the weather here in Idaho and managed to pull off a great event at Smiley Creek this last weekend. Although a number of us had to skip Sat night/Sun AM to get out before the next weather system, we had magnificent days on Thursday-Sat. I think I was the last plane out that needed to leave and that was about 4:30.

We had between 15 and 20 straight-tails show up. I think we had a really good showing considering that it was the first time for this event and that we had to postpone twice for weather. Not everyone stayed overnight and that was fine. It was just great to see everyone’s airplane. Also, friends who hadn’t seen each other in years got to reunite.

I gave out a bottle of wine to the oldest pilot, Bob Bement (85) from Vale, OR. and one for the longest distance flown, David Warren, from Mobile, AL.

Many thanks to Andrew George, the IAA State President who flew in from Boise on Friday evening in his Skymaster to give a presentation on flying the backcountry. It was 30 min filled with great backcountry info, stories and sage advice for getting around in our beautiful wilderness. Thank you Andrew. You did not disappoint and as one pilot told me afterward, “THAT was worth the price of admission!”

I want to thank Treasure Valley Coffee Company in Boise for graciously providing all the coffee we wanted.

Thanks to all of you who flew long distances, braved the changing Spring weather and trusted that we had a good event planned. It was pretty exciting to look up at each new arrival and say “Another Straight-Tail!”.

I hope to make this the 1st Annual and I got a couple offers of help for next year. I’m planning on doing whatever I can to make it happen. I know of at least 10 pilots who wanted to make it but just couldn’t this year. We’ll plan for the end of June next year so hopefully there won’t be any postponing.

I can honestly say that this was one of the finest groups of people I’ve had the pleasure of gathering with.

Stay safe out there!

Phil

BirdyinBOI wrote:
I gave out a bottle of wine to the oldest pilot, Bob Bement (85) from Vale, OR.

Glad to hear Skybob is still kicking. Haven't seen him in several years.

Oh yea...he’s the Octogenarian of the backcountry! Kind of an Energizer bunny actually.

Phil, I'm flight planning for my summer activities. Do you have any news regarding the Second Annual Straight Tail 182 Fly-In? Sure hope you do it again as it was a real nice event last year.

Hey Roger...we’re in the early planning but it looks like July 9-11 at Smiley Creek again. I couldn’t get the last weekend in June which is what we ended up with last year. I believe we can still avoid fire season this early.

I prefer Johnson Creek. Is that a possibility?

It might be but there are some facilities that are lacking for some (lodge, restaurant), it’s one-way in and out, it’s not quite as scenic (small canyon) and it’s tight for those with not much mountain flying experience. I like it because it’s lower with less chance of snow, lower DA, and has nice facilities but I know people who can’t sleep on the ground (physical limitations) and need a bed.

How do I get on the mailing list for this event?

Thanks.
Rod

There’s not really a mailing list per se...I post info on this site, FB under the 3 groups - Cessna 182 - Skylane; Straight Tail Cessnas; and Airplane Camping. You can shoot me your Email and I’ll write your info in my “ledger”. A number of people showed up a Smiley Creek last year who never gave me their Email but I’ll do my best. [email protected]

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