I noticed that a number of FTers are also Private Pilots. One of the most fun things General Aviation pilots do is attend Fly-Ins -- take our planes to some other airport, hang out, tell tall-tales & enjoy $100 hamburgers.

Similar to what we do at FT gatherings.

I thought it would be fun to have a FT Fly-In. Those of us who own or rent planes can fly ourselves and interested FTers on the way, other FTers can fly commercially. We could pick a smaller airport that will be friendly enough for us to enjoy ourselves on the tarmac, but large enough to have commuter service on most of the major carriers. I, for one, would be happy to give rides to anyone interested and love giving tours of the plane itself.

Dates & location are highly variable. I'd propose something over the summer and I'd like to see who is interested in flying themselves there, so we can pick an appropriate location.

So, if you are conceptually interested in attending, let us know -- if you have access to a plane and want to fly-in, mention where you live & how far you are willing to fly.

I live near Dallas and could fly 700-1000 miles and anyone wishing to fly Air Bollar needs to know that the in-flight service sucks, but the view is great.

Hey bollar,
great idea, but just started those lessons. Lots of miles through my hurting credit card.
I'd be interested in about a year or so

I don't have a pilot's license or a plane, but I'm interested, if someone in the DE/PA/NJ/MD area could pick me up.

Great idea bollar!

What a great idea! I'm not a pilot myself, but I'd gladly fly AA to DFW to hitch a ride. That way I'd get some miles out of it, besides.

Bollar,

I sent you an email, but I live near philly too, so if you ever come out this way let me know!

Chris

I mentioned this to bollar last night but I thought I'd post it here too...

I had the opportunity to be in BHM last week and decided on the way back to the airport to go by the Southern Museum of Flight.

It is located right across from the General Avation part of the airport which would make it a perfect place for a southern fly-in.

I found this place to be fascinating and will definitely go back - I particularly liked getting to see actual cockpits from some of the AF planes my dad flew (as well as lots of memorabilia from the Flying Tigers). I would love to go back again sometime when I don't have a flight to catch so I can see the Tuskegee Airmen video, among other things. For those of you who were at the PIM, they apparently also have a "seem-uh-la-tor" at this museum.

One of my first jobs was working at an FBO at John Wayne Airport (SNA).

Back then, it seemed like everyone was a pilot, and we would fly everywhere we wanted to go, like just for a drink (I even invented my own at the old Elephant Bar).

One of our favorite places to go was Catalina Island, to initiate the newcomers to the Buffalo Burgers there. Personally, I found them kind of greasy tasting.

Unfortunately, I don't have a pilot's license, nor do I know anyone who does.

I was, however, curious about what you meant by the $100 hamburger comment... Is this some secret code of pilots?

d

I'm sure bollar will correct if I'm wrong but ... a $100 hamburger results in paying gas and/or plane rental from airport A to B just to catch a bite and fly back.

Haven't flown my own plane for 10 years now -at times I think I should get back into it. Mostly during EAA time up here the bug bites again.

ME1st is right on target. The $100 hamburger is a reference to the operating cost of the plane. Lots of times, pilots fly just for the sake of flying, not necessarily to get somewhere -- so, they hop in their planes and hit an airport restaurant a short flight away for a bite to eat.

Check out the Hundred Dollar Hamburger for some recommended airport restaurants.

My very favorite is McGehee's Catfish Restaurant which has a miserable little runway, but fantastic catfish. Pilots who botch the landing have ended up in the restaurant's lobby.

That's about what I figured.

Thanks.

d