Carlos Vares, AIRBOSS of Rhode Island, has set the standard very high for future fly-ins. All particpants at KOQU got a lot of aeronautical experiences in one day on April 9, 2011. Carlos was the host at this combination military/civilian airport on the edge of Narraganset Bay just south of Providence. We had seven club planes and one drive-in member arrive in time to enjoy the many events Carlos had on his list.
We had a close up (carefully guarded) inspection of the Rhode Island Air National Guard Fleet of C130s. This was followed by a tour of the fire station on the base. In return for the favor we gave tours to several firefighting recruits of our airplanes (the fire chief asked for this for training purposes).
Then we were shuttled via members’ cars and the FBO van to a hearty lunch off base. The return trip dropped us off at the Quonset Air Museum next to the field where we saw dozens of warbirds being restored.
The participants departed for home about 3pm which put the fly-in at the 4 hour mark.
Glen Castner of Canandaigua New York flew in in his absolutely gorgeous Sierra and he was about to be announced as coming the longest distance (250 nm) at lunch until Ed Smith appeared just touching down from a Tennessee departure.
Ed was continuing on to Portland, Maine for the night.
The weather cooperated and everyone enjoyed their airplanes and the good conversation.
The attaboy for the member flying in from the shortest distance was our AIRBOSS Carlos who peddled all 8.3 nm from Providence Airport (KPVD).
Next Northeast event is “Fly Over the Boston Marathon” on April 18th.