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Upcoming Fly/Drive-In

IMG 6028As all of us look forward to the end of 2020 and a brighter new year, the DAF board has been busy planning a 2021 fly-in program to give us all something to look forward to. Because the pandemic’s status and social congregating regulations are ever changing, we will continue to be flexible with DAF programs. Only time will tell how the new year’s fly-ins will transpire; but we have planned with optimism, so please pencil the dates into your calendar and we will hope for the best. Both lunch and weekend fly-ins are in our tentative list below. Please contact the fly chairperson, Linda Howard, if you have any suggestions for fly-ins or would like to assist in planning.

February 13 - Lunch Fly in to either Rosamond
March 12-14 - Weekend Fly to Paso Robles
April 17 - Lunch Fly in to Apple Valley
May 21-23 – Weekend Fly in to Columbia Camping or Hoteling
June (date TBD) - Weekend Fly in to Ashland, Oregon
July 17 - Traditional Flaming Brisket, Aqua Dulce
August (date TBD) - Hangar Pot Luck
August - Potential Bonus Weekend Fly-in (TBD)
September 11 - Lunch Fly (TBD)
October 1-3 - Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
November 13 - Lunch Fly (TBD) Hope to see you in the skies in 2021!

Upcoming Zoom Program

BobHooverFoundation
Please join our first Zoom meeting, Wednesday, January 20 at 7PM to learn about the Bob Hoover Legacy Foundation as well as the life of R. A. “Bob” Hoover (1922-2016), one of the most gifted pilots and executives in the history of American Aviation. His career spanned seven decades as a fighter pilot, a military test pilot, civilian test pilot, aviation executive and air show performer. General James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle, himself an immortal aviator, called Bob Hoover “The greatest stick and rudder man who ever lived.” As skilled as he was, Bob Hoover’s greatest gift may well have been his tireless commitment to sharing his passion and his knowledge with his fellow aviators – indeed, with any one who had an interest in flying. Bob Hoover was born to the sky. From his earliest childhood until he left us in October of 2016, his focus was flying. He was obsessed with the unknown; with exploring new limits – with making airplanes and pilots better and safer. The Bob Hoover Legacy Foundation supports educational development and mentoringto people of all ages who are pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace.

About our presenters: Local residents Brian and Joan Cochran, who serve on the Board of Directors of the Bob Hoover Legacy Foundation, will share with us about the extraordinary life of Bob Hoover. Brian is the CEO of Pegasus LLC, a boutique real estate development company of transportation and infrastructure facilities with national expertise. Joan is a trial lawyer and civil litigator and the Founding Partner of Cochran, Davis & Associates, P.C.
Please join us for our first Zoom meeting and this interesting program about the Bob Hoover and his foundation. More information on our first Zoom meeting will be emailed to the Membership.

Special Announcements

Take note! The Tower operating hours have changed again, and are now 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM until further notice. Please review the important FAA Torrance Airport Traffic Control Tower Operations and Safety Update.

Join us On Our New Facebook and Instagram pages! – See the Dinner Meeting Report below for more info.

KMYFThe clouds prevailed Saturday morning preventing the official DAF fly-in to San Diego for lunch; however, that did not stop several DAFers from flying IFR to Montgomery for lunch at Casa Machado Restaurant. 4 planes and 10 DAFers enjoyed a delicious lunch overlooking the airport on Cas Machado patio.   

Catalina Airport Fly In Group Photo Twenty-six miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is a-waitin’ for me…

Six planes and ten DAFers made their way to the Airport In the Sky for lunch. We enjoyed lunch on the patio of the DC-3 Grill. The buffalo burgers and DC-3 Grill cookies are never disappointing. The pilots were challenged not by clouds but smoky skies from all the wildfires in California. The smoke decreased visibility as we departed KTOA. The Airport In the Sky was above the smoke layer. After lunch several DAFers decided to challenge themselves and took the Airport Loop hike in the hot and smoky air. The smarter DAFers socialized and enjoyed the shade on the patio. Six DAFers stayed at Catalina and camped at the airport Saturday night. They enjoyed a pleasant evening that included our traditional happy hour and a potluck dinner. The campers enjoyed fresh coffee and treats upon awakening. The airport was peaceful in the morning. Then back to the DC-3 Grill for breakfast before departing back home.

On Saturday, July 25th the weather seemed more like June gloom instead of sunny July. We opted for an hour delay and voila... the clouds cleared nicely and nine of us, flying five planes, enjoyed lunch on the outside patio at The Landings restaurant located off the Palomar airport in Carlsbad! Palomar Photo: clockwise from the left: Neal, Anthony, Robert, Jim, Lynda, Gary, Linda, Jeff and taking the photo is Laurice.

IMG 4122 10423 Once again June Gloom had it's way with the annual Flaming Brisket Fly-in. A lovely flight to Santa Ynez to sit out and enjoy the view turned into an arduous trek to the East Ts picnic table! Despite the grey skies, 40 DAFers made the journey to visit, get out of the house, and have some of Mitch's smoked brisket. It was a chance to catch up with people we hadn't seen for quite a while and enjoy the fresh air, and everyone made the most of it! Once again the Flyers showed their true colors, making the best of whatever comes their way. Next year, though, maybe the Brisket will move to July and escape the weather!

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We had 17 DAFers make it to the May 30 Kern Valley Airport picnic lunch. The weather cooperated and 8 airplanes made the trip, and we even had two planes that stayed to camp at the airport and enjoy beautiful Kern Valley. The cafe had just opened up the previous week, and most of us partook lunch on the spacious deck. Lots of blue skies and a light breeze at the airport made for a great spring afternoon.

We had plenty of room to spread out, and all of us enjoyed being outside. Was a nice chance to chat with those we have not seen in a while. Most of us ventured for the short walk down to the river before we headed home. We all enjoyed the tailwind boost on the way to Kern, paid for it on the way back but it was all worth it. Click here for more pics!

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Our first Blue Skies Outing to Santa Ynez was cancelled Saturday morning due to to marginal weather. A few decided to fly about nearer to home. Some DAFers came up with an alternative. They drove their cars to the TOA ramp and, at a substantial social distance, enjoyed their self-cater picnic lunches separately. But all enjoyed watching the aeronautical traffic come and go on a beautiful Spring day at TOA.

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