Why 75 Year Olds Like to Winter in South Florida

What more could a 75 year old glamour girl from Detroit ask than a winter vacation in warm and sunny south Florida? The Flagship Detroit has been enjoying just that, beginning with the Stuart Air Show in November. She did venture north to Georgia to qualify three new Captains and then had a brief respite in Opa Locka to have a little work done (Got to be all spiffed up for the upcoming season, you know). Since early December, she has been the star of the ramp at Witham Field in Stuart, FL, wowing many admirers and new members. The highlight of her visit so far was an appearance on January 19 at "La Bella Machina," held at the Jet Aviation facility at Palm Beach International Airport. According to Jet Aviation's website, the event is "an elegant evening of Ferrari autos and business aircraft in conjunction with the week-long Cavallino Classic," which is the 11th annual celebration of classic and new Ferrari automobiles to be held in the Palm Beach area.
It was, as advertised, a most elegant evening with the floodlit Flagship in the center of the ramp, surrounded by spectacular new jets, gorgeous cars and beautiful people. In all that illustrious company, she really stood out as the "Queen Mother" that she is. Many of the attendees had an appreciation of historic aircraft, and many compliments were received, including, "Wow, this is the coolest airplane here."
Many thanks to Bob Gross, who arranged for the Detroit to be at the event, and who, along with Tony DeSantis, piloted the plane to Palm Beach and back. Foundation members Dennis Pugsley and Bill Brooks were invaluable. Dennis created a beautiful banner displayed at the door and was hard at work promoting the FSD all evening. Bill provided ground transportation from Stuart and is always so positive and willing to share his many talents. Riley Gross, Bob's son, was there looking very handsome and being very helpful. Judy and Tony DeSantis, along with Peggy Fairchild, were there in "full costume," and all received many accolades for their vintage look.
It was a wonderful evening and the Flagship made many new friends. Her next appearance will be a charity fly-in breakfast on February 4 in Sebastian, FL. Don't miss this opportunity to visit with the Flagship and her dedicated crew at this worthy event.
(Many thanks to guest columnist Peggy Fairchild for most of these words)

An Airplane Takes a Vacation

The Flagship Detroit has always been a docile and obedient sort of airplane. She has had a long and sometimes distinguished career. After all, she is celebrating her 75th birthday right about now and she has long years of experience in doing what is asked of her without complaint. And what a grand old-er lady she is!
But it seems that she took a liking to south Florida on our recent visit there. Gosh, what was there not to like, blue skies, warm sun and cool breezes. After all, Ft. Worth weather is rather extreme, sitting out there on the edge of the prairie. A brutal summer with over two months of over 100 degrees and those blue northers that whip across Texas were not making her anxious to get home.
She willingly went back to Georgia and cooperated wonderfully as Tony DeSantis and Dave Buffington successfully passed their check rides. But, when it came time to go back home with Gene Christian and Dave Buffington, she balked. She just stamped her left tire and said, "Hey, I always do what you guys want. Can't a girl have a little fun when she turns 75!" So she dug her heels in and stayed in Georgia.
Finally, Bob Gross and Tony DeSantis figured it out. They came up and took her back to Florida for a fun time. She went to a spa outside of Miami and what fun she had. She got a manicure and pedicure, a new hair style and a few massages. Ate some seafood and took some nice walks. Then she said, "OK, guys, thanks for the respite. But I still want to have fun." And so she did.
Now all rejuvenated and resting in Stuart, Florida, she is keeping an eye on those good looking local pilots while looking forward to her next year of service. The big 75th birthday celebration year. Capt. Zane is hard at work on a schedule for the next season. So stay tuned for another year of fun with the Flagship. Oh, and if you are near Stuart, stop by and say hello. I understand Peggy, Jake, Tony and Judy are stopping by for tea tomorrow.

Too Much Excitement

Upon returning to Covington on Nov 14th, it was major cram time for Tony DeSantis and Dave Buffington as they studied for their type rating check rides. There was also major moaning and groaning about how they thought they would surely fail and suffer embarrassment. Wednesday was Tony's day and I hear that he was absolutely flawless in his oral and great in his flying even though it was raining and the wind was a factor. As an added bonus, they signed the examiner, Bill Mercure and his son Adam up for membership. Bill is retired Delta and Adam is current Delta Captain. Both men have the type rating and extensive hours of "3" time.
Dave's ride is to be on Friday, with final flight training on Thursday. He is having trouble getting rest due to weird dreams about dogs chasing skunks through his house and revelers coming to party and not letting him study. Finally the big day comes and the weather is better, but still windy. We have been plagued by wind since we were at MacDill three weeks ago. Nevertheless, Dave also presented a stellar performance and also received his rating. As another bonus, they met Robin Maiden and his son, Max, 15. Robin was a co-pilot for Delta's DC-3 and is currently about to get his rating. Has about 150 hours. Max is into everything aviation and aspires to fly and be a mechanic. Robin is interested in working air shows and decides to join and sign Max up also. The two of them will fly with the plane to Ft. Worth and non rev back. On their way back to 9A1, they detour slightly to fly over John Heilman's house. John was instructor before Gene. John came out to the airport and joined the crew for dinner. He was excited to catch up on the goings on of the Flagship and its crew.

The Show

Our position for the show is off the main drag a bit behind another DC-3 operated by a missionary group and nestled behind the Eastern Airlines DC-7B. We feel like this is a good place to be as the show is HUGE and it will lessen the onslaught of the masses. There is a full carnival midway here in addition to all the regular air show things. This is a big event in Stuart and there has been write up in the local newspaper everyday. Bob Gross and his son, Riley, join us this morning. Bob performs a thirty day inspection on the plane, see photo of him inspecting the wing.
The crowds are large but because of our admission charge, we keep from being overwhelmed. Only the truly interested come aboard. Sheryl's father and sister come to visit, Peggy's former sister-in-law and her family are there also as well as Jake's friend Muddy Rivers. We do a decent job of selling shirts and collecting admissions and have a two day take almost twice of what we had a MacDill. The hospitality tent has a great lunch catered by Outback Steakhouse and HUGE cookies in various flavors.
On Sunday, We 2 Duets, Judy DeSantis and her partner Chris Mazzella, perform live duets of songs from the 30's and 40's. They put on an excellent show and we gather an appreciative crowd. Our crew varies their arrival and departure times but local members Bill and Michelle Brooks are invaluable in picking up the slack the team seems to be operating on fumes as the season winds down.
Tony and Judy host us and other assorted people, including the Coast Guard at their lovely home for an Italian dinner on Saturday evening. It was a great party with a lot of interesting people to talk with.
The actual air show here was long and totally above average. They had everything from sky divers to wing walkers. They also did an excellent job of traffic control, there were huge numbers of cars to get in and out and there were no delays in either direction on either day.
As we packed up Sunday night we arranged things differently because this is the season end. Our emotions are mixed, we are tired and tarmac weary, but on the other hand, we will be missing our road buddies as we have formed an incredibly close bond with our fellow Flagship devotees.
Monday morning we are again out early to move the plane back to the flight line and do a heritage flight for 17 passengers. Thanks so much to Dennis Pugsley for bringing in six of those new members. Word has it that just as Dennis was convincing one of the folks, the Flagship flew over on a training flight and that sealed the deal!!
The Christians, plus Dave Buffington and Bob Gross will fly to Covington, GA this afternoon. Tony will follow in his own plane. Dave and Tony will do check rides for their type ratings later in the week and Bob will head to his cabin in TN. Then the Flagship will go back to Ft. Worth for the winter.
See you guys in the spring!!

And What a Party it Was

All Friday afternoon we kept the motel door open in order to see the air show acts fly by as they practiced. Many others did the same and as each plane came over people spilled out into the parking lot, looking skyward. Late in the afternoon Judy and Tony DeSantis appeared, also Jake and Peggy who had fetched Dave Buffington from the airport train. Dave checked in and we all headed for the airport as the evening show started overhead. There we were joined by Bob Gross and my sister, Kitty White.
This was a fund raiser and so was attended by the public as well as the air show participants. a large crowd. As the sun was setting, the acts continued and they were unique. The traditional parachuter with the flag was circled by two planes spouting smoke on his way down. Just at dusk the Black Diamonds did a formation routine that was stunning. They had lights all over the planes including illumination of the smoke plumes and the effect was out of this world. There was a helicopter flying formation with two small planes and on and on. Near the end of this show, several more people parachuted in very close to where everyone was sitting.
A very nice dinner was being served meantime: jambalaya, boneless wings, meatballs, penne pasta with chicken and sides. Just after dark the fireworks started, first being launched from a plane and then planes with sparkling trails coming from the wings. After that, a traditional fireworks display accompanied by patriotic music but just right in front of us so that you had to look straight up to enjoy them. After the finale, there was a huge BOOM and a wall of fire ignited down the runway. It must have been 12 feet high and was very, very long. We all jumped to our feet in shock. These folks really know how to put on a show.

Meanwhile on the other coast

No rush this morning...the five remaining meet at 9AM for breakfast in the mess hall. This is the best deal ever, they have everything one could conceive of to eat and this morning at rock bottom prices.
Peggy and Jake are off to drive to her home in Jupiter. Tony, Gene and I are flying to his home in Stuart, FL. We get off about 11AM.
I am nervous about all the birds around and glad when we reach an altitude high enough to be away from them. We stop by Lake Okeechobee on the way to let Tony practice landings and we have lunch there. Then on to Stuart. There is a bit of an oversupply of fuel as we left Tampa full and are getting filled up again in Stuart. The thought is to take the last of our gas after the heritage flight on Monday.
We are staying with Tony and Judy DeSantis until Thursday when the air show hotel rooms become available. Their very spacious home has the St. Lucie river to the back and loads of room with all the Florida accoutrements: screened pool, hot tub, boat and dock. After resting, we regroup for a nice dinner with great conversation.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the men go out to fly for Tony's training as he is planning to go back to Covington and take his check ride for his type rating. Occasionally we hear and see the plane go over the house.
Wednesday afternoon Tony and Gene arrive home about four with Jake and Peggy. Peggy has been wanting me to see her home in Jupiter so we decide to spend the night with them and head south. First stop is an outdoor Tiki bar on the water called the Square Grouper. It has a great atmosphere and view. Peggy says Perry Como used to live right across the inlet from it. We pass what formally was Burt Reynolds' theater and then go to Peggy's house.
Wow! It is a small home in a cookie cutter neighborhood, but she completely remodeled it and it is a stunner! It is so warm and so well put together. She has a wide circle of friends who were scouting for good deals and she scored some amazing purchases to put this place together. She has prepared a delicious beef stew for our dinner along with all the sides. The four of us never lack for conversation and laughter and after dinner we repair to the pool enclosure to continue the fun until we run out of steam.
Thursday morning, our hostess with the mostess cooks us a wonderful breakfast complete with Benton's bacon imported from Tennessee. Then it is time to head north again to Stuart to move the airplane into position for the show. We pick up rental cars and arm bands and go to the hotel to check in. Tony, Jake and Peggy also get rooms to make sure we have the rooms allotted to our group for the show. Then we go our separate ways and plan to meet again at the party on Friday night.

The Show Days

Saturday morning was windy and frigid when we arrived at the airport at 8 AM, after meeting in the dark for breakfast at 6:30. The Air Force had prepared a tent for us with chairs and a table and we set up our operation. However, we found that because we were going to fly in the show, we were in a fenced off area, along with two other planes, and the public would not be allowed out to the plane until after our flight. That was really an advantage as it protected us from the onslaught of this well attended show. We still had long lines both days except when the Thunderbirds were performing. Behind us was a small building where the fueling people stayed and we were happy to find there were bathrooms there and we were allowed to use them. This was great, as we were a long, long way from any other facilities.
After the flight we moved our retail operation over next to the plane as the tent was some distance away. It was a good day but the wind was constant and wearing. Zane worked the line all day telling people the history of the plane before they boarded which lessened the time they stayed inside and moved things along rapidly. A good tactic. The air show people came by frequently with water and ice and our aides, James and Ryan checked on us throughout the day. We were well taken care of here.
Sheryl and Peggy left for the hotel while the men stayed for refueling. As they drove across the ramp, Peggy noticed a wall of soldiers on our right marching towards us. They were between us and where we wanted to go. We stopped and asked a soldier what to do. He said they were performing a FODS (Foreign Object Disposal Sweep) to get the civilians out and that we should just drive straight for them, they would move. Well this was an intimidating thing to do, but we obeyed orders and sure enough, the camo sea parted and we went through.
Saturday night Jim led us to a place called Shells for a nice seafood dinner. Zane and Tony entertained us with stories of their careers as Liaison Officers for the Air Force Academy where they pre-screened applicants. We got more rest that night due to the time change and the realization that we really didn't need to be there so early. However, arriving at 9 meant threading our way in cars between people and booths to make our way to the plane. The day was ten degrees warmer than the previous one but the wind was still a huge factor.
As our plane was flying we spotted large flocks of birds near it, a scary sight. Gene later said they had to deviate to miss them and the people in the tower said there were about 400 of them. The air show was suspended for a time after that until the birds were out of the area.
We set up our tent because of the heat and tied it down to various things, but around three the wind got so brutal that we took it down and packed up some of our gear. Just as well, as after the Thunderbirds finished at four, they went ahead and closed the show down.
Jim had taken Zane to the airport mid afternoon, and Dan left with friends after the show, so there were just five of us left for dinner at Bonefish that night. On Monday, Peggy and Jake will drive to Jupiter and Tony, Gene and Sheryl will fly the plane to Stuart for next weekend's show.
Back to civilian life after a very pleasant weekend on a beautiful Air Force Base.

MacDill Air Fest

On Thursday, November 3rd, the Flagship departed 9A1, Covington, Georgia for MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL. Crew: PIC Gene Christian, FO Tony DeSantis and Dan Gabel. Passengers: Sheryl Christian. It was a severe clear day, lovely for flying.
In what seemed like no time at all, we were on the ground in Tampa, a lovely balmy evening. And being greeted by an enthusiastic ground crew of young Air Force men and women. Two young officers, Lt. James Diroff and Capt. T. Ryan Moore, were assigned to us and had vans parked there at our disposal. Right behind them were Jake and Peggy in her car. She had driven up from her home in Jupiter and picked him up at Tampa International.
James and Ryan guided us to Base Operations for orientation and the receipt of a packet of needed documents, then on to the MacDill Inn where we were staying and then departed, saying they would be checking in with us through out the weekend.
Our "motel" turned out to be a former BOQ ( Bachelor Officer's Quarters) now tricked out like a motel. It consists of what used to be two "dorm" rooms connected by a bath, only now one of them is a sitting area. So a little strange in that one passed through the bath when going from sitting to bedroom, but very nicely appointed.
After some stirring around, we managed to get off base on and on a main road where we hoped to happen upon an eating establishment. This was accomplished due to Jake's sharp eye and soon we were ensconced in Grillsmith, which boasted having the "Best Damn Martguerita Period." No way could we pass up that challenge since we have been rating them from coast to coast at every stop. I would have to say that it was certainly a very nice one, but do not know if I am ready to crown them the winner or not. Further research is in order.
Back in our rooms just before ten, in time to hear Taps wafting across the base on the breeze. As an old army brat this was really a nostalgic moment for me. In fact, my father was stationed at MacDill about 1964 and my parents lived in Tampa for almost 40 years.
On Friday the men went early to breakfast and then on to a briefing, a refueling of the plane, then a practice flight and repositioning on the flight line for the show, and finally a second briefing. I am told this was all conducted in a very professional manner, but ended up taking the whole day.
The women took a long walk along the bay, enjoying the scenery and watching the pelicans dive for fish. Then we found the mess hall, where we had a full lunch meal for just over $5. We rounded out the day with a shopping expedition to St. Pete.
We have now been joined by two more members of the group, Zane Lemon flew in this afternoon and was picked up at the airport by Jim Skelly, a new member who lives in St. Pete. Jim was career military and retired from MacDill before having an airline career. There are now 8 of us.
Tonight we are guests of the Base Commander at a beach club on base named Sea Scapes. They had appetizers and inexpensive drinks. There was a large patio overlooking the bay where a band was playing. Some planes put on a mini air show and after dark there was a little fireworks display put on by a helicopter and an airplane. Never seen anything like that. The plane had streamers of sparks coming out of each wing. They served a buffet of heavy hors D' oeuvres.
The young men and women of the Thunderbirds were there in their sharp looking flight suits. We enjoyed talking with them. They only fly for two years, but put on about 70 shows a year.
Because everyone at the party had to be out at the show early in the morning, this party broke up early.

Busy, busy week

The Flagship returned to Ft. Worth on Monday, Oct. 17th. Tuesday was recurrent for newcomers. The class was attended by Carolyn Remol, Rick Smail and Steve Jacobson who was doing a refresher. Carolyn is employed by the FAA in the Chicago area as an operations inspector in general aviation. Rick is a friend of David Gorrell's. He is a retired Delta captain, currently flying for Sky West, often as co-pilot for his son.
On Wednesday they were joined by David Gorrell, Tony DeSantis, Dave Buffington, Zane Lemon and Larry Jamison. After a long day in class, a board meeting convened at 6PM.
Thursday was American Airlines Spirit of DFW day. So the Flagship went to DFW for the day and it was late in the evening when it was returned to AFW.
Friday was to be a day off, but what was to be a 30 minute re-positioning of the plane for the air show turned out to take four hours. The crew was there late, late into the evening and back the next morning early for the Alliance Air Show. The plane was then moved into position for Sky Ball which was at 6PM and then moved again late that evening back into air show position. Reminds you somewhat of that old song "Rubber Ball." (Bouncy, bouncy)
As the crew was in the car on the way to day two of the air show, they got the news that the show was canceled due to a rainy night that left the parking lots with the potential of becoming muddy bogs. So the plane was moved back into the hanger.
On Monday, there were two missions. The first was a fly over the memorial service for Gene Rushing. Gene was in the maintenance dept. at American Airlines and was an early and devoted worker on the Flagship from its earliest days until his health failed.
The second flight was a charity for Camp Summit. This was a flight donated to an auction to benefit a camp for disabled children. The winner of the auction hosted a number of his friends for a sunset flight over some of the passengers homes, ranches and businesses. There was a cocktail party plane side prior to the flight. Beautiful views of the Texas countryside in the twilight and of the city lights in the dusk.
On Tuesday, Jake and Gene began what turned out to be a longer day than anticipated as they launched for Covington, GA. A stop for fuel was made in Vicksburg, Ms where the locals found out there is another aspect of history other than the Civil War.
The next few days were spent in intense training, culminating with Jake having a check ride on Friday and receiving his DC-3 type rating. Way to go! Jake only regrets that his father, an American Captain who flew the Flagship in bygone days, did not live to see this.
Next Thursday the plane launches for MacDill AFB in Tampa with an air show in Stuart, FL the next weekend. This will be the end of the season. So be there or be square.

What a party!

On Friday, Oct. 15, the clan starts to gather for our appearance in Meridianville, AL for a one pony show hosted by Dan Gabel. Gene and Sheryl drove up to meet George Dennis, John Thatcher and Joe Roberts who had brought the plane from Shelbyville. Blake Butler drove up with Kyle Dennis so George would have wheels. Training flights were done until after dark.
John was staying with George at his daughter's home where he and Kay were baby sitting for the weekend. But they joined us for the evening as we descended on the Gabel household. There is some trepidation to entering a perfect stranger's home for the weekend with four people and all their gear, but Debbie proved to be up to the challenge. Not only that, but a lovely person who we instantly became best buddies with.
The Gabels are martini aficionados and have one of the best stocked liquor cabinets known to man. So the festivities began. The main topic of conversation was the recent end of Blake's marriage and his re-enty into the single scene. There was a possibility of meeting a new person sometime during our stay here and soon there were seven people giving Blake advice on his future. And the more time went on, the funnier things got. Dan and Debbie treated us to a fabulous steak dinner with all the trimmings and then folks stumbled off the bed. Literally.
We find ourselves at Madison County Executive Airport on a brisk fall Saturday morning. The folks there could not have been nicer. A very efficient and friendly woman named Marty runs the place and is a dynamo. The airport authority (including Tom Sharp, Joe Patterson and Smith Hayward) were hosting a hot dog and hamburger cook out for donations with all collected funds going to the Flagship. How great is that??
This weekend is the debut of the new tee shirt with the Flying Magazine 75th anniversary logo. We are all wearing them and they are a hit. (see photo) We sold $350 worth of shirts and hats to a relatively small crowd. Dan has done a good job of selling and we have an all but full heritage flight plus the cook out nets another $100.
That evening we repair to Nick's, a combination restaurant and cigar bar. We are joined by new members Peter Voetsch and Brandi and Turk Terkhuerst. Brandi works for Delta in operations and Turk flies helicopters for the oil industry in Eastern Europe. Brandi is a pilot also and has a 140 named Patches because the two wings do not match in color. Turk happens to mention that his flight brought back memories of flying DC-3s with his father. Gene asks if his family had one and Turk replies, "Twenty-six of them." At this point, Gene hones in like a heat seeking missile and does not let up until Turk agrees to accompany the plane to Ft. Worth and consider becoming a pilot member.
This is another fun evening with Brandi and Turk coming back to the Gabels with us and the party lasting until the wee hours.
On Sunday, George, Blake and Joe head to Shelbyville after more training. John Thatcher goes back to Dallas and Sheryl goes to Birmingham. Dan and Gene keep the plane open all day.
Monday morning, Dan, Gene, Brandi and Turk fly the plane to Ft. Worth. Upon arrival the Terkhuersts catch a Delta flight back to Atlanta where Brandi had a car.
It will be a busy week in Texas with two days of ground school, charity flights, an air show and Sky Ball.