EAA Sport Aviation - September 2009

From Your Newsletters

• Chris Felton was 11 years old when he received a Young Eagles flight from EAA Chapter 1 member Andy Anderson in November 2001. The chapter held a Young Eagles rally at Flabob Airport in Riverside, California, and Andy was flying kids in his 1959 Cessna 150. Five years later Andy, now 87, flew his last Young Eagle and donated his plane to the Wathen Foundation. Chris, all grown up and in love with aviation, became heavily involved at the airport as well as with the foundation’s Stinson 108-3 project, through which he could earn a discount on flight training. He earned his private pilot certificate in July 2008, and almost a year later, in June 2009, flew his first Young Eagle—in Andy’s old 150. A Young Eagle come full circle.

• Mike Barron, EAA 448136, reports his son, Dillon, completed his first solo glider flight on June 25, his 14th birthday. Dillon soloed in a Blanik L- 13 glider and considers the flight the first of many future aviation accomplishments. Through his family’s business (Barron Aviation) he has been exposed to many facets of aviation, helping with aircraft maintenance, structural repair, interiors, and painting. He has also already done some flight training in a Cessna 195 and D- 18 Twin Beech. Congrats, Dillon!

said, “Everyone liked Jane Russell. She was a nice lady and a pleasure to be around. And Elizabeth Taylor was so beautiful. Howard tried to talk Taylor into leaving the studio she worked for and signing on with his studio. Couldn’t convince her, though.”

The chapter members and guests enjoyed the historic perspective of Chalmer’s talk that morning. After the meeting, members escorted Chalmer Bowen to the waiting AT- 6 and helped him into the rear cockpit for a flight. Prior to boarding the AT- 6, he remarked, “Not sure I want to do this. Flying might get into my blood.”