September 17, 2011 - Essex Skypark Wings & Wheels

 It's that time of the year again for the world reknowned annual Essex Skypark Wings & Wheels fly-in.   This year they had a speaker from the FAA who gave a talk on the Special Flight Rules Airspace (SFRA).  Quite a few pilots flew in for the lecture.  

Other happenings at the Skypark.  The bathrooms in the FBO Building were recently renovated and look great.  If you ever had the pleasure of using them, you know this is a big deal!  In another amazing development, the maintenance hangar was completely cleared of hangar queens and other airplane related junk -- the lecture was held there -- and will be getting a much-needed new roof after the Fly-In.   

  
Now this is what I call a "bare-bones" flying machine.  Not a lot of frivolous accessories on this gyro-coptor.  Bruce's Cub is on the right and did a lot of flying during the day.
 

Chip taxiing out in his Stearman.

There were quite a few planes this year.  They even had them parked on the other side of the runway. 

 
Not as many Wheels as last year -- mostly antiques. 
 
The RV turnout was disappointing this year -- only Bruce R. and myself.   I wonder if $5.50+/gallon avgas has anything to do with it.  AvBob S. from my EAA Chapter flew that fancy gyro-copter in from Bay Bridge airport. 
 
The Trunk Monkeys were once again at Essex Skypark in force.  Four of them flew in:  Dick, Mark, Joe & Tim (who fleeted up from a Cessna 170 to a brandspanking new 2010 Citabria). 
 
The Trunk Monkeys surveying the scene. 
 

Essex Skypark actually has a seaplane ramp.  This floatplane gets trailered down to the water for launching.  But not today. 

LIke last year, I spent most of the time giving rides: ten in all.   All my passengers seemed to enjoy the flight very much which always makes it worthwhile. 

 
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