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)