Eggnog, and That Clear Stuff in a Jar
December 26th 2004
This weekend the Redtails were off doing family and friends but found time to gather at Ron's hangar Sunday afternoon to have an Eggnog Social. What's an Eggnog Social you say? Read on!
Someone (Kurt, Redtail 27) brought by and introduced us to a little sompum' sompum' to spice up the eggnog! It came in a large mason jar with a screw on top that said 'Kerr'. It was clear as water and didn't have much of a smell, but when you tasted it it went down smooth . . . to put it in Cash's words "now that's what I'm talking about!" When you added it to the eggnog it really brought out the egg in nog! Jay, who's birthday was today, tried to convince us that a 50/50 mix of the clear stuff to eggnog was the right formula to make a nice drink, but only he had the gonads to drink that mixture. Happy Birthday Jay!
After sippin' on that spirited eggnog we put on some oldies and started talking about the good music of the 50's and 60's, songs you could slow dance to! When James Browns' 'Please, Please, Please' came on all of us started bragging about how all the girls were drawn to them like lights to a moth, or was that moths to a flame? Who cares, all the songs brought back memories of days of our youth.
The eggnog social started around 1pm and by
7pm everyone was warm and toasted toasty. All in all, the
Redtails consumed a bottle of Rum, a bottle of Jack, and a bottle of Tanquray,
and two gallons of eggnog, not to mention that clear stuff.
The only Redtails doing any flying this weekend were Horace, Jackie, Ron E, and Rudy. As usual Ron E. gat his 190knots indicated out of his Comanche back and forth to Las Vegas, making it to North Las Vegas in 1hr 10min. and slipping it back to WHP under the overcast.
Another great Redtail week.
Redtails Fly to Borrego Springs for Balloon Bursting
December 18th, 2004
The Redtails this weekend flew to Borrego Springs for their monthly meeting and balloon bursting practice. Late Friday night our regular practice site, Delano, California was socked in with the Tule Fog phenomena that comes to the San Joaquin Valley this time of year. The Board of Directors got together and chose Borrego Springs as an alternative. As it turned out it couldn't have been a better place, although it shuts down in the summer because of the oppressive heat in the desert its a very nice place in the winter months. We now have a secondary place to go when the weather gets funky in the San Joaquin Valley.
We didn't have the usual strong turnout of airplanes because of the time of the year when everyone was doing the Christmas thing. As you can see by the pictures we had a great group. As usual most of the members were there at 10am sharp CP time (12 noon) and we got a late start because we had to have lunch at the restaurant on the field.
We didn't start until 1:30pm! much to the chagrin of President Ron, who was livid by then.
Those who had not done a balloon burst were the first in the air, and after a few pointers from the ground they started to smack the balloons with regularity. Rudy (Redtail 26) was first and after missing five or six he hit four in a row. He was so pumped he made a victory low pass in his airplane.
Xavier was next to go up and after one miss those young eyes didn't miss again, pretty good for a Redtail who had never do this before. He also came back to the observation area pumped.
Ron (Redtail 32) was up next with his new steed the Comanche 250 he just purchased a few months ago and he set the standard for all of us by going four for four! plus he had never done this before. That Comanche was glistening in the dessert sun as he made his low pass while the balloon crew of Alonso (Redtail 54) changed Helium bottles. By the way Alonso showed us a new way to tie the balloons and the balloon crew was on its job for this event.
Last to take the challenge of those who had not don this before was Jim (Redtail 57) flying in Ron's Cardinal RG went three for three. Jim didn't want to stop but we had to do some business for the club so he was forced to land. I don't know if it will be cheating when Jim gets to Skyhook with the P337 and enters the balloon burst with that push / pull arrangement, if the front on don't get it the rear one will!
Our perennial champion at balloon bursting 'E' took to the air in Cash's Bonanza and was just dialing that Bonanza with the ignorant electric prop when we when we called him down to give pointers to the new guys. I'm sure by Skyhook he will have dialed the Bonanza in and be on top again.
Another highlight this week was another member joining the Redtails. Henry Roy, a long standing fixture at Compton Airport joined the ranks of the Redtails under the arm twisting of President Ron. Henry brings a ton of knowledge and the can do spirit to the Redtails as evidenced by his Cessna 175 that thinks its a four place Cessna 206. Henry has been tinkering with it for the last couple of years, putting in a new panel and experimenting with his own speed mods and they show and know one in the chapter wants to get into a climbing contest with him. I believe he must be feeding that thing laughing gas. We purposely drew his attention away from his airplane one day and we tore his airplane up looking for the gas bottle and the go button but I haven't found it yet. We know he is doing something and he says its completely stock but . . .
Pictures can be seen at our picture site and video at our Video site, take a look!
And the Fleet Grows Again
December 12th,2004
Wow, what a weekend. The Redtails after meeting with the California Black Aviation Association in Southern California in Compton, California and the Bay Area Black Pilots Association in Northern California in Hayward California, the Redtails flew to San Louis Obispo where they meet to break some bread in the Spirit of San Louis restaurant's overlooking the airport. Everyone arrived about the same time to throw the controller into a fit in the air and on the ground. Needless to say, we strained the airports transit parking area and the last airplane ("Born to Fly", Rudy's Cessna 172, with a fresh Instrument ticket) had to park in an overflow area and hike to the restaurant. As usual, Rudy brought a bevy of ladies with him.
Editors note: It was with much pride to see that many Redtails at Harris Ranch three weeks ago and this week at San Louis Obispo. At Harris Ranch the weather keep most of the Southern California Redtails at home while at this weeks destination the weather keep most of the Northern California members grounded. When the Planets, Moon, and the Sun are all lined up and we are able to have great weather in all of California, Nevada, and Washington State it will be evident to all the other chapters of the Black Pilots of America! that the Redtails are truly shine as biggest and baddest!
Look out BPA's Operation Skyhook, the Redtails are coming. In numbers!
Back to the fly-out, after a great lunch everyone left the restaurant at one time and caused a log jam departing from the transit parking area and the airport with everyone requesting a downwind departure to the south. It certainly turned some heads when the 21 of us left at one time.
Sunday, Milton (Redtail 72) announced he had purchased a Midget Mustang and put everyone on notice that his was the airplane to beat in the Pylon race this year. Milton now joins Redtails Horace and Cash who own a traveling airplane and a sport airplane. More next week . . .
<<<< Milton's Midget Mustang >>>>
Party, Party, Party!
December 4th, 2004
Its that time of year again, Christmas Party season. This weekend saw the Redtails partying in the bay area at the Bay Area Black Pilots Association on Saturday and with the California Black Aviation Association on Sunday. And party they did! BABPA held there party Saturday night at at His Lordship's restaurant in the Berkley Marina with a wonderful view of San Francisco. After dinner and talks by Rob Lee on the ups and downs of the Airlines as a pilot and Cash (Redtail 46) speaking on his 30plus years in general aviation the party was on! With Rob Lee DJ'ing the party went on to the wee hours of the night and EVERYONE had a great time.
In Southern California the CBAA held their Christmas at the Proud Bird Restaurant overlooking the approach end of LAX's runways. This was the largest turnout in the history of CBAAI with over 140 members and their guests. Several of CBAAI's partner organizations officers were invited to speak and tell about their organizations relationship with the CBAAI. After the speaking program was over the guests enjoyed dancing, to the DJ'ing of Slick Rick (Redtail 46), dominoes, bid whiss, and the sport of trying to convince wives into flying with them. Guin (Redtail 1F) was called on by several of the members to help plead their case.
Pictures of both of the parties are coming later this week.
Flying activities for those Redtails in Northern California were experiencing IMC weather Saturday, the Redtails in Southern California experienced VFR weather and on Saturday took advantage of it to fly to the Camarillo Airport for the Tri-Tip lunch special they have on Saturdays.
Horace (Redtail 33), who had gone to Texas to pick up his new airplane (RV8) gat as far as Gallup, New Mexico and was shut down by weather. by the way the only way into or out of Gallup is the Greyhound bus. The forecast for this week looks about the same until Friday when he will finally fly it home. To quote Horace, I've got the landings down to two bumps now" and he reports 200mph indicated on 8gph on his first flight!
Congratulations Rudy (Redtail 26)
November 27th, 2004
Congratulations are in order for Rudy "Born to Fly" Melson aka Redtail 26.
Last Friday, Rudy passed his Instrument check ride after scoring 98 on his
written exam a couple of months ago. Rudy has been flying
only a couple of years. This writer can remember two years ago Rudy was having
trouble landing the Cessna 152.
Since then,
Rudy has purchased a Cessna 172 and
put on about 400hrs on it and now an instrument rating. He has been
busy! Rudy knows that anything he puts his mind to is possible. He has
also raised the bar for those in the Redtails and BPA who do not yet have an
instrument rating to get one. What's next Rudy?
This week the Redtails were handcuffed by weather that favored Instrument Ratings. Weather in the form of precipitation, winds, and low ceilings is not something the Redtails are used to. With 325 days a year VFR those other 40 days is normally where we get some serious hangar flying in, with the rain, cold, and wind this Thanksgiving weekend most of us talked to each other on the phones, partially because who wants to go into a hangar that's 50 degrees.
While we didn't do much flying last week, we were busy adding features to our website. Aaron (Redtail 68) had taken some videos of one of our practices at Delano Airport and Xavier (Redtail 99) took those videos and put them to our theme song and pushed them up to our website. Xavier has also pushed up to the website one of Rudy's flights from Hawthorne to Whiteman to Hawthorne airports. The files are big and if you don't have a broadband connection it takes about 30 minutes to download it. Once you download it, you can play it over and over. Then if you like, you can save them to your computer often. Check it out.
Emergency Fly-out called by President
November 20th, 2004
Last week some of the members were feeling a little on the down side and started complaining about not flying enough over the last few weeks so President Ron declared an emergency and called for an emergency fly-out. The emergency fly-out is not taken lightly by our members and all the members resources were marshaled to respond to the emergency Saturday at Harris Ranch (308).
The weather turned a little iffy on Friday night and we wondered if the weather again would bit us again for November but Saturday turned out to be great weather for those in Northern California but not so good south of the San Fernando Valley in Southern California which keep about Twelve of our airplanes on the ground. Those in the south that went up to take a peek were turned back as soon as they got to the southern entrance to the San Joaquin Valley just north of Bakersfield and morning fog in the Los Angeles Basin. The San Joaquin Valley was covered with a layer of undercast 100 miles by 50 miles wide. Unbeknown to those who took a look and turned back Harris Ranch was on the extreme northern end of the cloud cover.
Three airplanes however did take a look brave the gloom and doom forecasts and were determined to get there. Jim (Redtail 57) in his new Cessna Skymaster, the 'Blade' piloted by Norse (Redtail 51) and as always dependable Horace in his Bonanza. When Jim, Norse, and Horace arrived the overcast was just breaking up. Of course, Jim with passengers Ron (Redtail 1) and Tim (Redtail 89) had is Skymaster up at 15,500ft to check out his pressurization system out and watch the turbochargers make sea level power.
As planned the sky was full of Redtails at 12 noon, a real Redtail overcast! Harris Ranch, famous for its Prime Meat was not the only reason for the Redtails emergency Fly-out on Saturday. The primary reason was to fly then do the serious fellowshipping with each other when we get together. Of course, a tradition was continued by ordering a round of Mountain Oysters. As the plate of these tender morsels were passed around every Redtail indulged in this epicureans delight then standing with a muscle man pose. 'E' had to be coursed to show his true Redtail colors but he pulled one down after much ado! There are no 'Girlie Men' in the Redtails!
The pilots from the north filled in the reservation we had for 30 people. We filled up the tarmac with Redtail airplanes! Cash, Lincoln, 'E', Setrige, Ozell, Darrell, with guests Oscar, Dave and Dick. Darrell brought his son and soon to be co-pilot D.J. (another ten years), Ozell brought two rising stars from the Summer Flight Academy, Eric brought Leslee in Cash's Bonanza to overload the ramp at Harris Ranch.
Operation Skyhook was the topic of discussion at the lunch table and how to best our showing in the competitions. As you can glean from the pictures we had a great time! for more pictures see Pictures
Banner Week for Redtails
November 14th, 2004
Wow, the Redtails had a banner week for new members. Three new members this week! Alonzo, Setrige, Bakari joined after watching the Redtails selling wolf tickets on how good they were and being the dominate chapter in the Black Pilots of America organization.
The Redtails enjoyed near perfect weather and flew to Napa, Hawthorne, and French Valley this weekend. Great flying weather was the rule all over the state. Redtail members also attended the Bay Area Black Pilots Association in Hayward, California and the California Black Aviation Association in Compton, California this weekend.
Horace Buys a RV8
November 6th, 2004
Congratulations go out to Horace (Redtail 33) bought his 38th airplane last week. The airplane is an RV8. This will make number 38 for Horace. As Horace put it, he needs a sport airplane to go along with his traveling airplane. Horace's mantra will now be thirty-eight airplanes, eleven twins, and seven new from the factory. Horace expects to take delivery by the first of next month when his hangar is finished. Pictures will be on the way!
Activities this week saw the Redtails flying to the Chino Airport in Southern California to watch the flying demonstration of the Northrop Flying Wing. After a Lunch at Flow's the restaurant on the field we left for our home airports.
Much to our chagrin we didn't have any new members this week after averaging one a week for the past few weeks. Maybe next week!
Redtails meet at the Airtel Plaza Hotel to set 2005 Calendar
October 30th, 2004
The Redtails decided it was time to do some work on it calendar for 2005 so we could hit the floor running in 2005. The lunch meeting was at the Airtel Plaza Hotel ( Where the BPA Summer meeting was in August 2003) and the calendar was established. The calendar is aggressive on flying and seeing California.
Milton (Redtail 72) suggested an four or five day extended weekend air tour of California, Ron (Redtail 1) reported on a repeat of last years fly-in meet with the Bronze Eagles of Texas in the El Paso, and other suggested on repeating our successful events of 2004. We are looking forward to combining some of our events with some of the California Black Aviation Association and the Bay Area Black Pilots events to round out our schedule.
The Redtails also welcomed there newest member Ade Gordon to the chapter. Ade heard about the Redtails at the AOPA Convention in Long Beach where President Ron nabbed him walking around the convention floor. See Ade's pronounced (Ah'-day) member page for a glimpse of this young mans power resume'.
Redtails Gather After AOPA Convention
October 22nd, 2004
The Redtails Gathered at the Compton Airport
after a day at the AOPA Convention to relax, unwind, and talk about all the new
and wonderful things we saw and purchased at the convention, and enjoy the
Redtail fellowship. Dinner was catered in from Woody's Bar-B-Que and Xavier
(Redtail 99) provided the drinks, and Stanley (Redtail 12) provided the
Ripple Champagne. Stanley's disclaimer for the champagne was that
it was a step up from Ripple, but he had it in his car for just such an
occasion. James Martin said the champagne was a step up for him, and
Darryl Mack told us about the pear he bought at the convention for $1.80.
He said for $1.80 he ate the seeds and the stem.
Rudy (Redtail 26) quizzed us on intercept procedures to make us look bad in front of his date! When she came into the room we all arose the gentlemen we were and she threatened to call for back-up, which would have been find with us. She didn't have a watch and we asked Rudy what happened to those eight women's watches he had at the Compton Air Fair.
"Slick" Rick (Redtail 44) has donated a copy machine to the Redtails. Rumor: The Redtails might soon have a clubroom to put it in! Stay tuned!
Redtail Fleet Grows Again
October 22nd 2004
The rich get richer. The Redtails again gained two new members this week. Milton Ames (Redtail 72) a long time member of the Black Pilots of America Re-Upped to the Redtails. Milton, is a former United States Air Force Pilot who flew fighters and cargo. More on Milton can be found on is members page.
Kurt Barkley (Redtail 27) also was a pilot for the United States Navy and you can also read more about Kurt on his members page.
The Redtails continue to grow seemingly every week with quality members. With all this talent the rest of the chapters will have to bring there "A" game to Pine Bluff Arkansas next year just to be able to land at the same airport as the Redtails!
Redtail Fleet Grows Again
October 3rd 2004
This week the Redtail membership and fleet grew again by one. Rayvon Williams became our newest member as Redtail 3. Ravon a CFII and Ground Instructor also brings along a 1965 S35 'V' Tail Bonanza. Welcome Ravon to the premier chapter of the Black Pilots of America!
This weeks flying activity saw some of our Redtails flying to Hayward (HWD) to break bread with their Redtail brothers at the Hayward Airport. After lunch we (Randy, Eric, Ozell, Ron, Jim) slid back to Ozell's hangar and meet with Oscar who was washing that pretty Comanche of his, plus Don, and Emmett. A fun time was had by all and the weather was perfect. Horace (Redtail 33), was there in the morning but bolted home to Las Vegas before the onslaught of members arrived at Hayward. The topic of discussion was how to get together this month at the AOPA convention.
Another great Redtail Weekend!
Redtails participate in the 11th annual Compton Air Fair
September 27th 2004
This weekend saw the Redtails participating in the Compton Air Fair. Since most our members hold a membership in the California Black Aviation Association (CBAA) we were involved in most of the activities.
Friday night some of the members repositioned the airplanes to Compton Airport in case the weather turned to coastal fog as it does this time of the year. Some came Friday night to brainstorm to see what details we had missed, and began to set up for Saturdays Air Fair and take care of any last minute details that needed to be done. Afterwards we had dinner catered to us in the terminal building and the usual hangar flying went on until late in the evening. One member observed that we had more members there than at some of our meetings!
Saturday, bright and early members showed up to man the various jobs we had and take care of the million odds and ends jobs to be done with Jackie (Redtail 42) ramroding the show. Members flew their airplanes in and started whipping on them to get any dust or heaven forbid OIL on the bottom. By the 0900 opening of the gates everything was in order and everyone were standing tall.
The Redtails flying squad were a part of the opening ceremonies by doing an over fly of the field, then slowly circling over the field in our "Redtail Orbit" while on the ground Wil the "Country Boy" gave a tear jerking tribute to those silent CBAA members as well as the silent Tuskegee Airman who went on this year to fly with the Lord. Spectators to the tribute say that there was not a dry eye on the field estimated to be between 7000 to 8000 children. Next year parents and grown-ups will have to be escorted and accompanied by a child!
This year was the largest Air Fair of all and the largest Black sponsored Air Fair in the world! Highlights of the air portion of the Air Fair featured fly-overs by; the California Redtails Formation Team, US Navy's F18s, The Comanche Boys, Navion Squadron, a F51, and a DC3. Helicopter demonstrations by the US Coast Guard, Los Angeles City and County Fire departments, and Robin Petgrave's Tomorrow's Museum of Flying.
Listen to CBAA's tribute given by Will "Country Boy" Hardy while the Redtails flew over the field in our Redtail Orbit. Click Here > CBAA Tribute
Stay tuned for more pictures, videos and sounds of the Compton Air Fair SOON!
On Sunday, the Redtails were invited to a "Treasure Hunt" put on by the Latin American Pilots Association (aplaus). A great time was had figuring out the treasure maps to the different airports. They always have fun events and we love to join them. Thanks APLAUS for inviting us again.
Another Airplane Joins the Fleet
September 19, 2004
Another airplane Joins the Redtail Fleet and a guarantee meet. At Skyhook Horace Noble (Redtail 33) challenged Jim Reynolds (Redtail 57) to buy an aircraft before Skyhook 2005. Jim made good on the challenge and Guaranteed he would have an airplane by Skyhook 2005. Jim purchased a Skymaster P337 last week. Jims Skymaster has all the usual goodies with the addition of a Robertson STOL kit. Not only can it make some serious 200+ speed but it can fly at 50mph! May Jim have many happy hours in it.
Hanging out at 'Two Stars" Hangar
September 11, 2004
Trying to beat two weeks of oppressive heat in the inland empires, some of the Redtails meet at Oxnard Airport, home of Gene his 'Two Stars'. It was in the high seventies and what a relief it was. Gene had come to the airport to sweep his hangar out but he made the mistake of opening his hangar door. To those that have hangars you know what that brings, an open invitation for a serious hangar flying session with everyone welcome to drop by. Well that's what happened, and we had a great time. We discussed and solved all the world's problems, bragged about all the airplanes we had flown and then got down to some real Cigar smoking.
Before you knew it it was five o'clock and it was time to get back and we broke up the session. As I have said in the past, it didn't get much better than this! Thanks Gene for a great time.
Redtail Meeting
August 28, 2004
The Redtails meet at Ron Lisberg’s hangar today. As usual, the meeting started at 1300hrs sharp ‘CP’ time. Ron, Cash, and Horace gave a report on what went on at the General Meeting in Houston two weeks before and our calendar was discussed in detail for the rest of the year.
Oceano Campout Fly-in
August 21 - 22 2004
Pismo Beach, California - The Redtails, California Black Aviation Association, and the Bay Area Black Pilots meet at Oceano this weekend for a weekend of campfires, camping and fun. Those that came got to practice their short field landing techniques on Oceano’s 2300ft runway.
Although not as many showed up as in past years those that came had a great time. Some drove up in motorhomes, some drove up in cars and pitched tents, and Jackie and Stan stayed in Stan’s summer beach house. On Saturday night, the campfire was roaring until 0300hrs. Sunday morning Guin provided a breakfast of Grits, Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, and biscuits for the campers before we broke camp and went home.
Houston BPA General Membership Meeting
August 12 -14 2004
Houston, Texas - The Black Pilots of America held there General Membership meeting the weekend of August 12 – 14 and was well represented by the California Redtails. The host chapter The Bronze Eagles really put on the dog for a fantastic fast-paced weekend. We arrived on Thursday afternoon, and were quickly whisked off to our hotel to check in, and were taken to Kemah, Tx to enjoy the wonderful broadwalk and to have a very nice dinner.
After dinner, we walked over to the boat slips where we got on a flotilla of boats owned by the Bronze Eagles and cruised around for an evening ride back to the hotel slips. After docking, we went to the hospitality room set up and manned by several Bronze Eagles. The bartender (Ray Holmes) challenged us to name a drink he did not have and if he didn’t have it would appear the next night.
Friday was a fun filled day of shopping for the ladies and a tour of Houston’s athletic venues for the guys. Friday night it was yet again another dinner at one of Galveston’s fine eateries were we took over the whole second floor dinning area. After dinner most of us wound up at the hospitality room enjoying Ray Holmes well equipped bar. (“Ray you are the best”)
Saturday we amassed for the general membership meeting and found out the election results. Congratulations to all the new officers.
We walked down to the docks at the hotel and boarded a 100ft plus Yacht for a great dinner cruise. The food was delicious and the “church service” after dinner was a blast. The night had a thousand stars and after dinner, everyone worked it out by dancing on the upper deck. James Miller and one of the crew won the spotlight dance and everyone else participated in the “Soul Train Line”
We all said our good bys in Ray’s room (the hospitality Suite) knowing we would be leaving the next day. The Bronze Eagles lead by Anthony did a great job of quality entertainment for us all. They set the bar pretty high for the rest of the meeting locals.
James Martin's New Cardinal RG
August 1, 2004
James Martin (Redtail 37) this weekend took delivery of his Cardinal RG. After many years of indecision James (with the approval of Jean) bit the bullet a through down for the Cardinal RG. Sunday Jim went up with Ron Lisberg and got familiar with his new stead. Jim hopes to have his insurance requirements in a few weeks and be ready for the fall flying season with the Redtails. It will probably be a few weeks before James and Jean can wipe the smiles off there faces. On his first flight in it Sunday James a former Mooney lover saw his Cardinal do 162 mph true sipping 10 gph at 23 squared.
Redtails Meet at Delano for Pylon Racing Clinic
July 24, 2004
As usual, the Redtails got off to a late start wanting to talk more than fly in the hot sun. Most of us live in the coastal areas of the state and have to contend with the morning fog burning off before we can get off the ground.
By 1100hrs, most of us had landed and were ready for lunch, which was preceded by Brie and French bread. While Norse (Redtail 51 warmed up the Bar-B-Que from Phillips, the day’s events were discussed.
Several of the new members were taken up to take some tries at bursting balloons. After a couple of tries, all of them hit a balloon. Aaron (Redtail 17), flying with Ron in his Tumbleweed, hit one balloon after two misses and that made his whole day.
Cash (Redtail 46) brought as our guest Ed in his RV4 and our speaker to talk about Pylon Racing. Ed races his Cassett at Reno every year and Cash is his crew chief this year. Well, Ed gave a great talk about Pylon Racing and then proceeded to show us some of the points he made around the Pylon course. Ed as it turns out is just a regular guy who loves to fly just like all of us, but boy can he fly that RV4 of his. Ed made two low passes that were spectacular followed by Cash in his RV6 (WG) at top speed. Boy Cash's engine sounds good at speed. It is Cash's job to recruit Ed for the Redtails by Skyhook.
After the talk and demo by Ed all the Redtails went up and were able to lower there times around our pylon course at Delano, some by as much as 6 seconds! Harold (Redtail 20) made his first appearance at Delano and proceeded to show us what a F33 Bonanza could do in the hands of a real pilot.
As usual Horace (Redtail 33) put on his stellar Pylon performance making the Bonanza do things its not suppose to do, and Ron (Redtail 1) improved his time significantly around the course. Randy (Redtail 50) brought his Cessna 310 but declined to race it fearing the wings might fall off! Norse tried the Balloon burst for the first time and when the 'Blade' hit its first balloon Norse retired. Of course with that 82" propeller all you have to do is be in the vicinity to nab a balloon.
The weather was hot (93f) but our Redtail tent was able to keep all of us cool and in the shade with a breeze blowing. But with all the new members we are getting we will have to think about buying a larger tent!
Another great flying
day month for the Redtails
Black Aviation looses one of its heroes
1916 - 2004
Redtails meet in Hayward to Party and discuss flying schedule
July 10,2004
The Redtails gathered this weekend in Oakland and Hayward California to attend the annual July 4th party given by Redtail Darrell Edwards and his wife Millicent. Redtails flew in from all over the state to this must come social event of the season the annual Edwards Fourth of July party
The food, the live
jazz, and fellowship were as in the past years “prime cut!” Set in the
mountains of Oakland overlooking the Bay area. Some of the members from areas
like Las Vegas use to night time temperatures of 90 degrees plus were not
expecting that “Bay Area” cooling.
Hayward Airport the
home airport of several Redtails was the headquarters airport and all spent
Saturday night at the La Quinta airport hotel.
The
weather was chamber of commerce perfect for the weekend.
After the party, some of the Redtails took advantage of being in the Bay area and went to Oakland’s Jack London Square to listen to more live Jazz preformed by Spiro-Gyro.
On Sunday morning, all the members and meet for breakfast in Hayward then migrated over to Cash’s hangar to inspect his RV6 and lunch after a lively meeting to fix our flying schedule for the rest of the year.
After the meeting and on the way home some took the great weather to take the bay tour, an air tour that takes in the marvelous views of the San Francisco Peninsula at 1500’
Redtails fly-over Allensworth
June 19, 2004
On Saturday the Redtails participated in a fly-over at Allensworth State Park a state park that is being restored to its roots around 1901. The town was the first Black township in California, and every year celebrates Juneteenth with visitors coming from all over California to this central California location.
The Redtails meet in Delano California which is about ten miles east and briefed for the fly-over lead by Cash Copeland (Redtail 46). Those participating in the fly-over were Norse Gaines with his 'Blade' flying the second element lead with, Eric 'E" Williams with his Cessna 182 in the '3' position, and Ron Lisberg with 'Tumbleweed' in the '2' position, Cash Copeland lead the first element with his 'WG' RV6, Ozell Austin flying the '2' position, and Otto Hooks flying the '3' spot.
The fly-over featured our new 'Redtail Wheel Starburst' formation maneuver. The Starburst will be part of our formation routine being designed by the formation team. It will be used in the future to dominate Operation Skyhook for years to come.
Must needed Rest
June 12,2004
After Skyhook in Pine Bluff two weeks ago the Redtails took a two week sabbatical from flying. Most of us put at least a hard 25 hours on our airplanes. This weekend we were back at it going the CBAAI picnic at Hawthorne airport and the to BABPA meeting in Hayward.
Our debrief for Operation Skyhook will be this Saturday with all expected to attend and go over the flying, and competition that took place at Skyhook. New pictures from Skyhook can be found at our pictures site www.pbase.com/calif_redtails.
The Redtails are also getting ready for our annual fly-over at Allensworth State Park to celebrate Juneteenth.
Operation Skyhook
June 1, 2004
Pine Bluff, Arkansas - The weekend was spent in Pine Bluff for Operation Skyhook. From Wednesday 26th of May to Monday the 31st of May. Although this years Skyhook had more airplanes than ever the Redtails put up a dominate presence even though our signature events were not contested. The Pylon Race was and still is in dispute because of the handicapping, and the Cross Country Proficiency competition was bogus at best with the day late entries. The Formation Flying proved we need to practice rather than just put three airplanes and hope for the best. All in all we had a great time even if Skyhook only had the three competitions. Those chapters who won trophies know that their victories are shallow with only three events to score in. Our congratulations go out to the Bronze Eagles and the Atlanta Raptors.
More pictures to come.
Elections
May26,2004
Pacoima, California - This weekend was the Redtails regular meeting, on the fourth Saturday of the month. The meeting was held at Ron’s Hangar at Whiteman Airport. We discussed the upcoming fly-out to Pine Bluff, Arkansas for the Black Pilots of America’s Operation Skyhook, and to held elections for the 2004 – 2006 officers. The talented Guin Lisberg (Redtail 11) catered lunch.
Determined to have the cleanest and best-looking aircraft in Pine Bluff the Redtails got together at Whiteman Airport on Sunday and had an aircraft detailing party. The airplanes were washed and polished top to bottom and wingtip to wingtip, and in and out in preparation for our appearance at Skyhook.
The newly elected officers for the years 2004 through 2006 will be:
An accumulative 250 years of experience flying airplanes!
Tune and Shine Week
May 16, 2004
This weekend the Redtails spent most of there time doing maintenance on there trusty steeds. Airplanes in the north gathered at the wash rack at Hayward Airport and made a party out of it (anything to throw a party for) Making sure the bottoms are clean and spotless, fuselage and wings waxed, and windows cleaned inside and out. With flights of ten hours or so each way, we will put approximately 25 hours or more on each airplane, so all the regular 25-hour oil changes and maintenance item must be checked before the trip.
The Redtails are planning to meet at Ron’s hangar this Saturday May 22, 2004 for our regular monthly business meeting to hold elections and solidify our plans for Skyhook.
Meetings and Flying
May 8, 2000
California - Today, the Redtails were part of meetings with the local black flying club in Northern and Southern California areas:
SF Bay Area - Redtail members in NoCal were part of a meeting with BABPA, the Bay Area Black Pilots Assn, in Hayward, Ca. The meeting was very productive and consumed the better part of 2hrs of the day. Afterwards, the two organizations flew to Sacramento's Executive Airport for some lunch. Even though the flight was only 58nms, it was a site for all on the ground enroute as the Redtails showed members of BABPA the art of formation flying. For most of the trip, the flight was conducted in a 7-ship V-formation until about 12 miles out when the formation broke into an echelon-right and entered left downwind runway 20. The airport's restaurant, The Aviator, served up some good food for the hungry flyers. After lunch, the crews loaded up and headed back for Hayward. This time, the flight made up of Bonanza, Cessna182, Cessna twin, 2-C172, 1 homebuilt, and a Comanche tried their hand at basic navigation by tracking the SAC VOR outbound to SUNOL Intersection with a turn inbound on HWD's LOC 28L approach. All went well....and fun!
Compton - Redtail members in SoCal were part of a meeting with CBAA, the California Black Aviation Assoc, in Compton, Ca. The groups held a 2.5hr meeting that concluded with a discussion if their flight to Corona, Ca. Redtail President Ron Lisberg gave a briefing on the flight. The planes, all 12 of them, took off in 7-10sec intervals and joined up in the air in a 3-plane cluster over the LA basin! Corona airport onlookers were taken by the numbers of planes that were coming in for landing into the field. Once landed and taxied at transient parking, some of the locals came over and welcome the crews and to express their delight seeing the groups. The jaunt out of Corona was with the various PICs taking off and headed back to their perspective home airports in the surrounding LA area!
All told...it was a beautiful day in sunny California!!
Delano Practice Session
May 1-2, 2000
Delano, California - The weekend the Redtails meet at Delano Airport for their for there final tune-up for Operation Skyhook. Eighteen Redtail airplanes and three guests’ airplanes showed up to have a weekend of serious practice.
The practice was suppose to start at 1100rs and follow a rigid schedule but two hours was spent slapping hands and sitting around the tables munching on French bread and brie’ (that’s a spreadable soft cheese for you Texans). At 1300hrs, we started with the pylon racing. The object was to see which technique got us fastest around the course. Trying different bank angles around the pylons turned up some very interesting results. Every Redtail reduced their time going around the pylons just by applying what we worked out in banking and power setting session.
After every one got a chance to do some laps with our pylon expert we sat down and had our de-briefing on what we had learned while Norse (Redtail 51) whipped up a batch of ribs and hotlinks on the Bar-B-Que. Norse just might have put himself in position for another office other than being the Chief Pilot for the South!
The rest of the afternoon was spent briefing on the cross-country portion of Skyhook, were we took charts, and latitude / longitude information worked out courses, times and fuel consumption. Eleven of the airplanes went out into the heat, practiced the cross-country techniques while the rest cleaned up the area, and prepared to go two the hotel.
While some of the Redtails stayed the night in the hotel, others flew home for the night to return Sunday. Those of us that stayed for the night in the hotel taught the rookies how to sell wolf tickets, looked at some video tapes of some of the previous years Skyhooks and planned our skyhook strategy until the wee hours of the night.
We were back on the flight line at Delano at 1100hrs to do some of the theory on the Balloon Burst we had been talking about. Our sample airplane was “E”,s Cessna 182, where we first worked of the speeds, distance, and altitudes. After many passes where we tried varying speeds, altitudes and distances we were able to consistently put our props on the balloons. We then varied all the different data points and were able to lock in the procedures. We then went out using this information and in different airplanes and were able to get on the balloons with a vengeance. At one point, “E” (Redtail 66)got thirteen in a row using our newfound speeds and altitudes.
After spending most of the afternoon working on the data for the balloon burst everyone migrated over to the shade tents we put up in the grass and as usual started talking about airplanes and didn’t get to the spot landing workout!
After a siesta, we had a chalk talk about formation flying and discussed the formations we would fly at Skyhook. By then everyone was flown out, and we decided to stop for the day, pack up, and go home.
Feeling cocky about our newfound data this weekend, we made a mass Redtail formation take-off. What a sight to see. It reminded me this writer of what it must have been like with the real Redtails going into battle, but this time going into battle with our brothers.
Meeting Postponed
April 25, 2004
It seems like when we decided to postpone the Saturdays meeting the Redtails scattered everywhere this weekend. Our normal meeting date was postponed one week so we could go to Delano this Saturday to practice our "Skyhook" teams. Some Redtails went to the Las Vegas Jazz Festival, one to the New Orleans Jazz Festival, some to the Laughlin Bikers “River Run” and some went to have a $100 Hamburger at Oxnard Airport in Oxnard California were we meet JD the controller at Oxnard who joined us at our lunch table for awhile. The weather was great this weekend allowing us to hit all the points of the compass this weekend.
Rideau Winery
April 17, 2004
Solvang, California - This weekend The California Redtails traveled to Solvang, California to spend a day of Jazz, Blues, Good Food, and Fine Wines at the Rideau Winery. The Rideau Winery is one of only a few Black owned wineries in the country and certainly one of the quality vineyards in the world. The owner Iris Rideau, if you will remember gave a lecture on wines at our August 2003 General Meeting in Van Nuys. Iris in short order has become one of the finest vintners in the world. The celebration at her winery was a belated Madi Gras of sort with all the trappings of fine Louisiana Cuisine and music.
The weather in Las Vegas, and Southern California was uncommonly overcast with rain and winds. The weather in the Bay Area was clear and unlimited.
With the weather so bad in the Southern California Jim, Redtail 58 met us at the airport and we all jumped in his ‘Gator and Jim drove to Solvang reminiscing about the farmland that is now covered with concrete.
A very good time was had by all, dancing in the Second Line, and enjoying each others company, as you can see by the pictures we took.
Pictures can be seen at our picture site www.pbase.com/calif_redtails
Another fine outing for the California Redtails.
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Harris Ranch
April 10, 2004
Coalinga, California - Saturday the Redtails flew to Harris Ranch (3O8) for lunch after the BABPA and CBAAI meetings. Those present were Omar, in his Cessna 182, “Cash” and Leslee, in the “White Woman”, Darrell and Eric in the 310, David and Oscar in a Archer, Ron and Ozell in “Tumbleweed”.
The weather was great in the Bay area and less than great in the Los Angeles Basin and Las Vegas, where low ceilings stopped all but those with IFR ratings, and winds and turbulence in the Vegas area. The guys from the south waited for the ceiling to clear for an hour but then bolted IFR to Harris Ranch!
Lunch was the usual great time with Pine Bluff and Ron’s “Press Release” dominating the conversations. The highlight of lunch is when Ron ordered an appetizer for the group, the famous Harris Ranch “Mountain Oysters” As we passed the platter of “Oysters” around the table not everyone had the Redtail sprit by tasting the delicate morsels. As each Redtail tasted them, they would copy Ozell’s muscle man poise. Most agreed they tasted like chicken with the texture of chicken gizzards. It should be noted that Cash took a doggie bag of Oysters.
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By the time we were through the wind had picked up which provided a nice 20 knot push for Omar and Ron going south. Omar, wanting to practice some formation flying flew off Tumbleweed’s wing for the flight home where they executed an overhead approach for the troupes on the ground at WHP.
Pictures at our picture site
Another great day of Redtail Flying!
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Rideau Winery
This will be our second year going to the Rideau Winery for Iris Rideau's Mardi Gras celebration. You will remember Ms. Rideau gave a lesson on wine tasting at our August 2003 General Membership meeting and had us all wine connoisseurs by the end of the night. Pictures of last years fly-out are at our picture site Santa Ynez 2003
Make your reservations by calling the winery at 805-688-0717. Make sure you them you are with the California Redtails to receive the "brother man" discount.
Plan on getting to the Santa Ynez airport by 1100hrs so we can arrange transportation to the winery together.
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El Paso Get-Together
The idea for the El Paso came from an idea to get together with the Bronze Eagles of Texas so that when we got to Pine Bluff we would be able to talk to each other without turning to violence by the time Operation Skyhook took Place.
There was a lot of bad blood flowing after last years Operation Skyhook in which the scoring for the chapter trophy was at best “contested” There were emails passed between the Redtails and the Bronze Eagles and tensions were getting high. So much so that the slightest comment was exploded in its meaning and lead to threats of violence. The Redtails knew they had to protect themselves going into Texas, so each one of them was packin’ when they came.
You could tell from the air flying in. The Redtails were on their special frequency making sure we landed at the same time so we wouldn’t be out numbered on the ground. The plan was for all to get to El Paso at 1100hrs. Like the Redtails of old, we didn’t leave any Redtail lagging for and easy kill in Texas.
Listening to the controller from El Paso talk on the radio you could sense he had been informed of our arrival because he let all the Bronze Eagles land first! It was ok because we wanted to land together anyway.
There was one straggler in the Bronze Eagle flight, a pathetic little Mooney. First off, the Redtails would never leave one of our own to fight by himself like the Bronze Eagles left the poor Mooney who can now be identified as Wejay’s. Was the straggler left behind by his fellow Bronze Eagles for his political views?
The FBO must have seen they were all from Texas and corralled all the Bronze Eagles together in a little tight group that looked like the old west with circled wagons. When we taxied in next, they put us beyond firing range of the Bronze Eagle group. After we were parked, we all met on the ramp to discuss strategy. We knew the Bronze Eagles didn’t have the pure numbers we had and were going to be backed into a corner. We also knew they would have several women with them but thought Leslee could handle them. However, like animals backed into a corner they would have to fight for their lives and that would elevate them to another level.
Ron the leader of the Redtails volunteered to approach the Bronze Eagle delegation unarmed and walked toward the now huddled up Bronze Eagle group with both hands out palms showing.
The leader of the Bronze Eagles (Anthony Hall Jr.) broke from his group and walked toward the Redtails leader. Tensions were elevated as they approached each other. Anthony also walked toward Ron with his hands clearly in sight of Ron. When they shook hands, embraced, and started talking relief came over both camps.
Both Anthony and Ron turned around and gave a signal for their groups to advance. Cautiously both groups approached each other, still unsure of each other’s motives. The closer each group got to each other and recognized old friends, smiles broke out and they rushed each other slapping hands whooping, hollering, all the tensions were lifted and we forgot our differences for the rest of the weekend. (What were our differences?)
While some hung out at the airport, their rooms, or next door at Appleby’s for lunch, we all had fun just seeing and talking to each other.
After lunch, we gravitated to the Presidential Suite where we watched a video tape provided by Horace Noble of the 1987 Operation Skyhook at Tuskegee. The guys who were there in 1987 recognized folks and seeing and hearing them talk about the people and events really brought as sense of pride and purpose to those who were not there.
For dinner, we had reservations at the Cattle Baron, just a few steps from the hotel. We all sat and broke bread together. The camaraderie exhibited at dinner was something special. We toasted each other and generally had a great time. After dinner we again met in the hospitality suite were we talked until the wee hours of the morning, only to have to wake up early that same morning to prepare for the flight home. We all met for breakfast Sunday, some with a fresh night of sound sleep and others groping for the fresh coffee.
We said our goodbyes and left for the airport to return home vying to do it again, but next time make it for two days.
All in all everyone had a great time. The meeting was to start the season of selling wolf tickets but I find it hard to put a blemish on such a great time.
Pictures of this event can be seen at our pbase picture site:
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Delano Fly-Out with Aplaus
Delano, CA March 21, 2004 The Redtails on the invitation from our brothers of the Asociacion de Pilotos Latino Americanos (APLAUS) meet at Delano, California for a day of fun and flying. We joined in Pylon Races, Balloon Bursting, and Landing contests.
This was the first time most of APLAS had participated in these events and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Most of pilots of APLAS are based at Whiteman Airport so we all took off at the same time. Of course Ron (Redtail 1) and Omar (Aplas 1) marked their arrival with an tight right echelon overhead approach to the delight of the folks on the ground at Delano.
Great fun was had by all and we plan to join with each other in more activities this year. A great bunch of guys who truly love flying. The highlight of the day was when the children were given a chance to hit some balloons. Nicolas, who piloted Ron's Tumbleweed did an excellent job on the balloons as well as all the children that came.
One of the the Redtails secret weapons was displaying his speed around the Pylon course today. Can you say 230+ mph around the 3.12 mile course!
On our return to Whiteman Ron and Omar again made an overhead approach much to delight of the guys on the ground. After putting all the airplanes away we gathered at Ron's hangar to complete the wonderful day, recalling the events of the day and having a cold one. We will publish the results here in the next few days so check back to see them.
All and all everyone had a great time and when we got back to Whiteman we were all ready for a good nights sleep.
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The Redtails are going to El Paso on the 27th to meet with other chapters for a night of fellowship and fun.
The headquarters hotel is the Radisson Suite Hotel located close to the airport. The block of rooms are under "The Black Pilots of America". Rooms are $59 plus all the taxes they can pile on it! The phone number is (915) 722-3333. Prices are valid for Friday also for those who are planning to come on Friday.
Plans are to arrive mid morning and come to the Hospitality Suite we are having. We have a reservation for dinner at the Cattle Baron restaurant which is very close to the hotel.
After dinner the real purpose of the trip is to start the true business of selling wolf tickets. The list of chapters that have folks coming are:
For what started off as a one night quick meeting has now ballooned