Fly Day April 20, 2002 - Livermore Airport

GOLDEN GATE WING FLY DAY ATTRACTS LARGE CROWD

The Golden Gate Wing’s first Fly Day of the year held at Attitude Aviation at the Livermore airport attracted more than one hundred members and guests as well as a number of warbirds. The feature attraction of the day, held on April 20, 2002, was the flight of Col Stu Eberhardt’s North American P-51 Merlins Magic.

Stu flew the Mustang for the crowd in the afternoon with Col Walt Caldwell riding proudly in the back seat. Walt had won the ride in a raffle held at the Wing’s Hangar Dance last fall. Walt said it was an incredible ride, one that he will never forget. Rumors had it that the grin on Walt’s face was still there several days later with the distinct possibility he may never be able to remove it.

Another feature of the day was the flight in of three Vultee BT-13s. To see three of these rare birds at the same time was a great treat for all attendees. The BT-13 owned by John Hannigan arrived early in the day with Col Martin Michaud piloting it. Then later in the day two more BT-13s arrived flying in formation. Col Mark Klein and his friend, Ken Bohrman were piloting these two aircraft. They both keep their Vultees in Monterey and braved some low ceilings, typical of the Monterey Bay area, to make the trip to Livermore.

Col Tony Banta’s T-6G, Col Jim Thomas’ SNJ, Gary Koverman’s SNJ, the Golden Gate Wing’s SNJ plus Col Dan Thomas’ beautiful T-34 rounded out the number of trainers on the ramp. Col George Craig with his wife, Jennifer, arrived in their newly restored Citabria. Col Dave Peterson had his Russian Yak on the ramp.

As always one of the features of the Wing’s Fly Day is to provide rides for some of the attendees. The Wing’s SNJ helped entertain the crowd as it made four trips with the following passengers: Col Bob Moriarty, Mike Nakamura, Col Mike Morgan, and Bob Ross, Col Taber Kopan’s son-in-law. Col Martin Michaud piloted the first two passengers and Col Dick Perkins took the remaining two. Col Scott Nolan also purchased a ride but the day ran out before he was able to get his trip. Col Mike McKinley promised him he would take him for his ride on the first available opportunity.

We were extremely pleased to see our three Wing “crips” in attendance. Col Norma Baldwin and Col Laureen Bausone, who both had surgery for hip replacements recently were present as well as Col MaryLue Feyerabend who recently fractured her ankle. They were seen huddled together deep in conversation, undoubtedly comparing their ordeals. It was also great to see Col Lee Engberg with his wife, Polly. Lee is recuperating from multiple surgeries that kept him in the hospital nearly one month.

The guests enjoyed a barbeque featuring Tri-tips as the entree. Col Pete Geiler was the master chef and cooked them to perfection. Col Steve Johnson arranged for the large barbeque required and provided the transportation for it. Col Shell Karlsson towed the PX trailer in for the event and Col Dan Roads organized the transportation of the tables and chairs.

Mitzi Kopan and Dorothy Caldwell, wives of Col Taber Kopan and Col. Walt Caldwell, once again took over the job of selling PX items and brought in nearly $300.00 in sales for the day. Stacey Ward Roads sold tickets at the entrance and kept track of the attendees. Col Shell Karlsson, Col Tom Carter and Cadet Renee McCoy handled the ground marshalling of the aircraft.

It takes the efforts of many Wing members to make this day possible and I am sure I have missed some of you who contributed. My apologies. Col Mike McKinley planned and organized the highly successful day. Thanks to you Mike for a great job.