All of the talk about an RB Fly-in got me thinking. Spike had the idea of swapping it east coast vs. west coast year over year like the annual BMWST.com gathering that we've attended a couple of times; but I had a slightly different idea.
The basic plan is this: A few local fly-ins for RB members (centered around EAA chapters) on the same day during the same time period. We could tie the individual fly-ins together through fund raising (for the chapters or Young Eagles), open invitations for the public to attend and see real flying experimental aircraft that real people built, and some competition between the groups. The event is mainly for RB members to get together, but all others (and all experimental aircraft types - that means YOU PapaKeith) are welcome too.
The fly-ins would need to be spaced far enough apart that not many people have to make the decision about which one to attend -- the decision should be obvious; they'll attend the one they can reasonable fly to.
Competition-wise, I was thinking about some contests for things like:
- Best of Show
- Best use of Bondo
- Most Unusual use of Gauges
- Longest Build
- Shortest Build
- Most "Full-leather Interior" Airplane
- The Tin-Can Award
Each fly-in would pick winners for the categories and then the fly-in winners would go head-to-head on RivetBangers for the "national" title. If we can get some fundage together (the RB Store helps, btw!!) I'd like to offer some small plaques.
If this idea flies
, I'll be heading up the primary gathering in Frederick, MD (KFDK) which is not only the home of AOPA but also the home of your fearless and irresponsible leader, Spike.(Before anyone suggests Young Eagles flights at these events, I think that might be too much liability for even the EAA to handle. I've already thought about it, but no thanks; although I wouldn't be opposed to advertising the program and signing kids up for flights on a future date that's actually sponsored by the EAA chapter.)
So, what says ye?
I thought I was a RB member!!!!
CJ
