Here is my idea, I know some will have objections for obvious reasons.

I get bored with going out and burning gas to keep up with my off airport skills with no one to challenge me. In the days before Big Rock and Long Props DVD's Loni and I would push each other by playing follow the leader. It was fun and push the skill level higher as the years went by.

I have an idea that maybe there are others out there that want to get better or have another buddy to compare performance of both plane and pilot that would show up if there was something out there.

Here is my idea: I will show up Saturday 9:30 am at Cottonwood Island on the Columbia River (south of Kelso) weather permitting. The plan is to form pairs or up to 3 airplanes maximum per group and then play follow the leader. If there are more guys that want to do it we will make some additional groups up and fly on different parts of the Island or use a number of islands so that we have good separation. Anyone can lead, take turns leading or however it works out but the person following has the option of passing (not landing) on an spot he wants to pass on, except it will cost him $5.00 for a pass.

We don't have to have a pass fee I just thought that would keep it interesting. The main goal is to have fun and not bend airplanes so good judgement is a must.

If anyone has a better game plan or something to add to make it interesting please feel free

I want no liability for what may happen so know up front by showing up you are the one responsible for your safety and others around you. This is informal fun with no rules as of yet, rules are to be decided by those that want participate.

I am willing to share any information I can on any spot I land and I think others should also be willing because that is a way to learn. For example if I land a spot and I am asked how it was I might say: "it was off camber, 300+ feet long and rough on the far end." We also could all agree to land a spot away from a prospective LZ and walk it so that everyone knows what it looks like from the ground.

This is about having fun and learning, finding guys that have the same level of abilities in order to go places together later on down the road perhaps and feel safe.

If there are people that show up with different airplanes we could try and group them together but I think Alaskan Bushwheels or something similar are a must to start with. Don't show up with 8:50s because your going to wreck the rig. If your airplane lands at 60 mph don't expect to go where a guy is going that lands at 40 mph. If people want to watch from above, say 1000 feet AGL that would probably be fine. If you don't feel comfortable flying around at 50 to 100 feet off the ground you are not ready for what I have in mind.

This is could be a fun day…… If you have interest, put your name down on the thread so I know how many to expect, if you have ideas about ways to make it better feel free to add them.

Greg

I'm in. If that is we can make a couple of minor changes.

My turf, and with skis of course.

Seriously now, too far for me, and I have the skis on. Everything else sounds great, good concept, I look forward to seeing and hearing how it goes. Have fun guys.

Hell yeah. That is the ONLY way to get good at this shit. Go out and play, especially with some competition to make ya push things a bit. Have fun!!!

Gump

It's an excellent idea Mauleguy! I would be all over it, though I am not on Bushwheels yet. Hopefully it is a success and I can join the exercise/fun when it becomes a regular meeting.

Alright since I am in NC i cannot join however, there has to be video by monday morning. BTW I don't mean a two minute post I mean some serious footage. I currently live out my dreams through you guys out west so make it good and have fun.

Greg

If I was closer I would be all over it, I wish I had more to do like this around here. I know I have the area to do it but the pilots around here are not so equipt and with all the eyeballs just waiting for some one to do something they can report kinda takes the fun outa it.

Starting my annual this Saturday, count me in next time. We have a great group here in the NW that Like play!

Wup it's not that far, we could make a weekend out of it and camp out on the island.

That sounds like fun..... Do I have to pay in cash or will you take a check for all my Passes?

Greg,
I am in, although I can't be up there until Sat. afternoon. Camp out and play Sunday morning? Wup, come on, lets meet in the middle.

If this works for you Greg, I will try and make it.

Brent

I leave for Idaho in the morn, won't be back 'till sunday night....

Sounds like fun, Cottonwood Island has a lot of options to land. I would come play if I was closer.

Wup - where in Idaho are you headed for?

Mccall sled trip.

That sounds fun and scary all rolled into one Greg: I have never got to fly with you and have always hoped that opportunity would knock.

My problem is my wonderful wife works full time while I'm semi retired. I try to save weekends for her. Problem 2 is the Maule goes in for annual Monday in Madras. Sunday afternoon I have to get it there. I will be in Madras helping wrench, Monday-??? So if I don't do something with the wife Saturday I might be pushing my luck. No she is not into this type of fun. That being said,,,maybe she has something planned with her friends and I get a pass. She is still at work. I'll ask what's up when she gets home.

I can do Friday and the wx is suppose to be pretty nice. I'm thinking you have to work?

I'm thinking there are no pilots in our area here on BCP getting $5.00 from you.

I'm game for stuff like this but I'm a 500-600' with go arounds. 800' dead ends.

Cheers...Rob

You guys suck! I don't know anyone around here that has fun like that, and besides, I've gotta work...

born2flyak wrote:You guys suck! I don't know anyone around here that has fun like that, and besides, I've gotta work...

Hey flyak: you work or fly that nice 185 all day?

I used to tell my friends I was going to work, they would reply, you mean your going to the fire station. They though all I did was watch TV, workout and eat. Well sometimes they were right.

Cheers...Rob

OregonMaule wrote:

born2flyak wrote:You guys suck! I don't know anyone around here that has fun like that, and besides, I've gotta work...

Hey flyak: you work or fly that nice 185 all day?

I used to tell my friends I was going to work, they would reply, you mean your going to the fire station. They though all I did was watch TV, workout and eat. Well sometimes they were right.

Cheers...Rob

It's my work truck, I don't get to play out as much as I'd like...

So far I have not got anyone to really sign up for Saturday, maybe it sounds to crazy for some or scary. Lets start it off with just getting together on Cottonwood for a meet up, if anyone wants to go for a ride I will take them for a ride in Bushwacker, I will do some landings in different places on the island.

We could then choose some spots that are less intimidating and work on fundamentals, I will give any pointers I can on making better landings or take offs. This will be a free clinic with no liability taken on my end for the free advice, my advice may help or you may choose to ignore.

Does this get anyones interest, if so sign up,

If others are still interested in doing the Challenge we can pick a time later in the day.

Brent, email me with your phone number and we can talk.