Our first formation flight training clinic in preparation for Cessnas 2 Oshkosh 2009 concluded successfully on March 14th at the General Wm J Fox Airfield (KWJF) in Lancaster, California. The clinic was attended by thirteen pilots. Among them, Cessnas 2 Oshkosh veterans Dan Barley, Jim Gandee, Bob Lange and Mike Jesch, the lead pilot; and Bonanzas to Oshkosh veteran and contributor to our cause, Mary (MJ) Butt. As always, thanks Mary!
Capt. Mike Jesch reports that the clinic started promptly at 9:00 am. It was a beautiful day for formation flying, with clear skies, calm winds and 70 miles of visibility! The tower was exceptionally easy to deal with and we had 30 miles of straight line, uncrowded skies to hone our formation skills. The airport restaurant did a fine job catering to our small crowd. We almost had time to go over to the museum on the field, which has a Boeing 377 Stratocruiser.
"We formed up into three elements, two of two ships, and one of three ships." reports lead pilot Mike Jesch. The third element consisted of a T210, a TR182, and a Bonanza (of all things!). We managed to get into the air just shortly after Noon, and each element flew at least an hour, with the standard position changes, lead change, turns, climbs, descents, etc. I know Jack, the pilot with whom I flew, couldn't believe an hour had passed. "It seemed like ten minutes!" was Jack's exclamation.
Congratulations to Capt. Mike Jesch and all the participating pilots for a successfully completed formation flight training clinic. One of the requirements to fly a safe mass arrival into Oshkosh has been met!
You may click here to sign up for any of our clinics if you have already registered for the mass arrival.
You may click here to register to participate in the 2009 mass arrival. Please feel free to email us if you need more information or if you have questions. Our email address is Info@cessnas2oshkosh.com
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The Pirep is the official newsletter of Cessnas 2 Oshkosh. It is a vehicle to keep all the participants in the Cessnas 2 Oshkosh 2009 Mass Arrival and our friends informed about the progress on our way to Oshkosh. In 2009, it will be published on the fifteenth of each month. Additional issues will be published if the need arises.
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Progress Report
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To date, twenty-seven (27) pilots have registered to fly the mass arrival. Thirteen (13) states and two (2) Canadian provinces are represented. California leads with ten (10) pilots, Colorado, Michigan and Washington are distant second with two (2) pilots each and trailing are Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Wisconsin, Alberta and Manitoba with one (1) pilot each.
The Skylane (C182) leads the models with ten (10) aircraft, followed by the Skyhawk (C172) with six (6), the Skywagon (C180/185) with five (5), the Centurion with four (4) and the Stationair (C205/206/207) and the C310 with one (1) each.
These preliminary results beat our expectations. We encourage each one of you debating whether or not to go to Oshkosh this year to make your plans early. It is going to be a good year. We are optimistic and not even this economy is stopping us. Come celebrate with your friends!
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