Middletown 2008 Wag Aero and ACA Champ are here!!

Post by **joea** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 22:42

Everyone,

The ACA Champ arrived later on this afternoon and it took at least 30 seconds before it was surrounded by Aeronca people wanting to look at it. Bill Pancake spent an hour or so with the rep and pilot looking the plane over.

It is absolutely beautiful. We are very happy to see it arrive and already one guy was asking us if its for sale. Hope it sells here!

About an hour after the new Champ arrived the Wag Aero truck and trailer arrived. We got the trailer unhitched and two reps on their way to the hotel, then had dinner with them and another 16 Aeronca people. After several hours talking airplanes and parts we headed back to the hotel.

Suffice to say we cannot wait to see the trailer unloaded and see all the new things that they brought with them!

Joe

Captgrumps · Post by **Captgrumps** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 23:18

Joe

Thanks for the update--wish I was there, but as mentioned before my friend that was coming with me had his father die Monday. His father was a WW II veteran-- was a Marine and spent 28 days in combat on Iwo Jima during WW II. We honored the veteran, the Aeronca fly-in is on our list next time. It was a bad week had another pilot friend and one time co worker pass away Tuesday--he flew B-26's in Korea. Both had cancer. Say a prayer for those that keep us free. Here's to the best flyin yet.

Doug

Robert Henley · Post by **Robert Henley** » Thu Jun 12, 2008 23:44

Joe

Other than the people, you mentioned the two things I was very interested in - the ACA Champ and Wag Aero parts and parts experts.

I still think I made the right decision on the weather. I hope the forecast is wrong for Friday night for the Aeroncas that are visiting their birth place sake.

Regards

Robert

Post by **joea** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 05:18

Doug,

Thanks for the note and know what you mean. From one vet to another, I totally agree. I have been to 7 funerals in the last 9 months and over half of them were either WW2 or Viet Nam vets.

Robert,

Will see what today brings but just looking at the radar and hopefully its not too bad. Yesterday was scattered showers and I think I got 3 drops of rain on me and I was outside most of the day parking airplanes.

Its supposed to be clear by tomorrow morning and nice and clear. Sorry you did not make it over. You sure are going to miss a good one!

Joe

Peashooter · Post by **Peashooter** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 13:27

I'm as close as Cincinnati Lunken and I have to WORK today -- ack! I hope to be there tomorrow with N84629 as soon as wx permits. Fly Safe and Tie 'Em Down! Rudy

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Fri Jun 13, 2008 20:41

Joe
Can you post some daily pictures for those of us, who are unable to attend Middletown.

Thanks Richard

Captgrumps · Post by **Captgrumps** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 13:54

Anybody got a fly-in report for those that had to stay at home? Or (1) Are you still cleaning up from the storms, or (2) Are you having so much fun you don't have time?

Doug

Roger Anderson · Post by **Roger Anderson** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 17:55

I just got home, having flown my Honda Accord up and back. Friday was a weather mess for all the area. However, although I had arrived by car Friday evening after giving up on flying from Tn about 2 pm, the weather up and around the area was still horrible. Good news, the bad stuff missed the airport by a few miles. Saturday was excellent, with many aircraft arriving. The Sat. evening banquet was capacity. I'll let Joe and others give details. But....many thanks to all that put this event together. I specifically want to thank the board members Jody, Brian, Joe , Duane, and of course Jim, who get there days early and work so hard to make sure it's ready for everyone. Also, Jody and Brian again spent many hours Saturday flying kids, parents, and anyone asking for a plane ride. Thanks all for doing so much for us. roger

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Sun Jun 15, 2008 20:22

I agree!! Just got home after a 11 hour drive flying the Pontiac. Had about a 3-4 hour window to get out on Tuesday afternoon but couldn't leave that early. Had some rain at Middletown on Friday but Saturday was absolutely beautiful with light winds and puffy clouds. Wondering (at that point) why I left the Champ home. Driving back today gave me the answer: the east lane of I90/94 was closed due to water over the road north of Madison, Wi. (much much rain) Luckly we were going west. They had a 4 mile backup for detour on the east side.

Convention notes from my perspective, this being my first: Really nice to meet people and start to put a face to a name. I OD'd on Champs and Chiefs (where can you see so many in one spot?). The standards that some are built to are outstanding. The convention is very well organized and runs according to schedule. Many, many thanks have to go to Jim and the board members who do a lot of the work. I can't imagine the hours and time they must put in. Also, many thanks to Wag Aero and American Champion for bringing and showing their products. The Aeronca factory tour was interesting and informative. They went out of their way to make us welcome.

I'm sure I missed some points but my mind is blank after the drive back. and I have to start tomorrow to prepare for our fly in breakfast next weekend. As those of us who trace our roots back to Norway often say: "Uff Da"!!

Hope to see some of you at Oshkosh! (Or at our breakfast next weekend if you can make it. Airport info at AIRNAV (3WN9).

Mike Berg