The Weather's Holding And The Planes Are Gathering!

The transition from Wednesday to Friday has been a good one at the 2004 Arlington NW EAA Fly-In. With the weather staying VFR despite far-off threats to the contrary, and the passes clearing through the mountains, airplanes have been arriving in flocks for the last two days. Ladies and gentleman... you have a Fly-In. The friendliest we know, as a matter of fact.

Even with Oshkosh tending to steal the potential limelight as most companies hold their big announcements for a few weeks hence; there is plenty to see and hear that is both novel and fresh. It's been the first big public showing of the Twister, the Mifyter, and more avionics innovations than you can easily quantify.

Herewith, a few of the more intriguing sights we've encountered in the great Northwest...

Aerodrome, Jr....

So cute and sweet, that there was a danger of sugar shock, this little pedal-powered aerodrome was rarely idle as kids piled on board a number of pedal-planes to try their wings. It was fun watching the kids negotiate the race-track style pattern augmented by sound effects of their own making -- while the real thing droned on overheard. This is how the thirst for flight starts, folks... and it's a beautiful thing to behold.

Aerotronics Makes Panels An Art-Form

Not to take anything away from most practitioners of the avionics arts, but every trip to Arlington requires a stop by the Aerotronics booth, where some of the most unique and impressive GA and SportPlane panels are on display in front of God and everybody. This year's high point was an all-American panel chock full of Chelton EFIS, Garmin 430/530s, a Dynon backup, a Sandel EHSI and a number of other high-tech goodies. No one builds cooler panels than these folks and they do some wonderful pre-wired assemblies for SportPlane builders all over the world. Highly recommended.

Where There Is One RV, The Can Only Be Others...

One of the most familiar sights in the skies above Arlington, if for no other reason than shear numbers, are the flocks of RVs that gather to play in the skies over the NW EAA Fly-In. In addition to being a major gathering point for the RV community, Arlington is also the home to a number of members of the Blackjack Squadron, a group of RV pilots who have honed their formation flying skills to a sharp edge. After watching some very fine work in the past; it's hard to imagine that they could improve from year to year, but those of us who have been keeping an eye on them certainly have noticed the tighter formations, the swifter re-joins and the speed with which they transition from one formation to another. These guys are darned good.

It's Getting Busy Here!

Arlington is enjoying excellent exhibitor support this year and the aviation community is showing up in great numbers, as a result. The exhibit area has been expanded, more vendors have shown up, and the vibe is a most positive one. While a large segment of the industry is still awaiting the final publication of the long-awaited Sport Pilot rule, most of the industry has grown tired of the delays and figured out that there is still plenty of business to do none-the-less... hence, sights like those above.

Paul Allen Keeps Up Appearances

He's more than just the guy who's been paying Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne bills, he's a true fan and lover of aviation. Take a gander at the amazingly restored Jenny under the tent near the announcing tower and you'll see what we mean. A finer restoration of the Curtiss Jenny would be hard to find. This lovingly cared-for bird is but one of a much larger collection maintained by Paul's Flying Heritage Collection, based at Arlington Airport. With brethren like the Fieseler Strorch, Polikarpov PO-2, a Grumman Hellcat, a real-live Spitfire (Mk Vc), and others, you better believe that the Jenny is keeping some fine company, indeed. Tours are given on Friday and Saturday of each week.
FMI: www.flyingheritage.com

FMI: www.nweaa.org