The Event
This past weekend, the Airplane Owners and Pilot's Association (AOPA) held a fly-in at Felts Field in my hometown of Spokane, Washington. As you can see above, a plethora of planes and pilots were in attendance. I am proud to say that 160 AOPA and community members volunteered to make this event possible, and there was free lunch for all volunteers and AOPA members alike! I cannot express how grateful I am to be a member of the AOPA. They do their best to really listen to the general aviation population and lobby for our rights as pilots. While I enjoyed meeting tons of other enthusiasts, my eyes also happened to land on the most beautiful plane...
You had me at "1925"
Now, I know that some of you are probably most interested in planes with lots of speed, gadgets, and power, but this weekend, I officially fell for a plane that is a little more... vintage.
Hello, my darling Boeing 40C.
A few months ago, I actually saw this lovely plane at SkyFest (Fairchild AFB). I remember being intrigued then, too, but after meeting her again this weekend, she has been on my mind even more than ever. I might say she is my favorite plane currently, although I hate to turn my back on my precious lil' Pipes. There is just something about this sleek, vintage mail plane that makes my heart sing. Suddenly, slinky jazz music plays when my eyes meet her silhouette. Gorgeous. She is simply gorgeous.
Her predecessor, the Boeing Model 40 was manufactured beginning in 1925 as a mail delivery plane. Additionally, the Boeing Model 40 was the first plane built by Boeing that actually carried passengers. In total, the Model 40 can carry 1,200 pounds of mail PLUS two passengers, and the later model, Model 40C, can carry up to four passengers! You may have been making fun of me for loving her before, but now you see... she really delivers! ;)
Hello, my darling Boeing 40C.
A few months ago, I actually saw this lovely plane at SkyFest (Fairchild AFB). I remember being intrigued then, too, but after meeting her again this weekend, she has been on my mind even more than ever. I might say she is my favorite plane currently, although I hate to turn my back on my precious lil' Pipes. There is just something about this sleek, vintage mail plane that makes my heart sing. Suddenly, slinky jazz music plays when my eyes meet her silhouette. Gorgeous. She is simply gorgeous.
Her predecessor, the Boeing Model 40 was manufactured beginning in 1925 as a mail delivery plane. Additionally, the Boeing Model 40 was the first plane built by Boeing that actually carried passengers. In total, the Model 40 can carry 1,200 pounds of mail PLUS two passengers, and the later model, Model 40C, can carry up to four passengers! You may have been making fun of me for loving her before, but now you see... she really delivers! ;)
Making New {Human} Friends
While making friends with planes was certainly a highlight, human friends are always good, too. Volunteering certainly let me do so. Everywhere I went, I was surrounded by aviators, which is quite unusual in the "real" world. For awhile I got to walk around and do odd jobs like cleaning and refreshing the chow halls, and then I spent awhile manning the gate. I couldn't help but ask every young child if they are planning to be a pilot as they entered or exited. After all, that is what I really get fired up about!
After my AOPA volunteer shift, I got to hang out at the Ninety-Nines booth for awhile, which mostly consisted of meeting lots of other Ninety-Nines. I have to tell you, each of the women in the Northwest section of the Ninety-Nines are incredible. Some of them make a living in aviation-related professions, but many of them work in fields unrelated and still maintain their sunshine-y presence in multiple worlds. I am honored to be an associate member of such a talented group of women.
After my AOPA volunteer shift, I got to hang out at the Ninety-Nines booth for awhile, which mostly consisted of meeting lots of other Ninety-Nines. I have to tell you, each of the women in the Northwest section of the Ninety-Nines are incredible. Some of them make a living in aviation-related professions, but many of them work in fields unrelated and still maintain their sunshine-y presence in multiple worlds. I am honored to be an associate member of such a talented group of women.
To wrap up, I attended AOPA President Mark Baker's presentation on the current state of the association. He talked about how important flying clubs are, the work AOPA is doing to try and reform third class medical certificates, and then took questions in a Q&A session. Attending the session gave me a real sense of pride as a member of both the Ninety-Nines and AOPA. After the session, I got to chat a little more with Mr. Baker. His passion and commitment to aviation shine through when he speaks.
Here's my final shout out to all of you that made this event possible. What a truly amazing community of aviators we live right in the heart of! See you in the sky~