AOPA Fly In : 2015-09

At work we hosted some key players of AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) for a round table discussion about various topics.  That evening was the beginning of their Colorado Springs Fly In. Since it was already dark when I arrived, I returned the next day to see what type of airplanes had flown in.  I'm glad I did as there were some impressive machines!

This monster was one of the first airplanes greeting the visitors.  These Lancair Evolutions cost about 1.5 million and the owners build them working together with Lancair.  This thing was basically amazing both inside and out.

This was a very nice taildragger.  It has extremely limited space but it's all carbon and the owner says it weighs about 900 pounds.  You can even see the carbon fiber in the spinner - which I assume is on purpose just to flaunt it.

This 1941 Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing was impressive.  It's had work done, but it's an original. The dude next to it (wasn't the owner) says he gets to fly it when he meets with customers.  That must be a nice commute.

Obviously, I think airplanes are cool, but I have an affection for engines, too.  A well-crafted nacelle, good-looking blades, and mean intakes can take a plane from plain to awesome.  They can add so much.  On left is a brand new King Air 350i (which is actually a pretty large aircraft - always surprises me) and on the 

One of my favorite shots of the day.  This is the nose of a P-51, the "Crusader", which is a surviving Mustang.  The sun on the well-polished blades was a great accent, and the plane looked fantastic.

Here are a couple more shots of the Crusader. The Pilot's name (which I think is also

the owner) is on the cockpit; Joe Thibodeau. 

 

This was a nice looking airplane - an XTreme Decathlon.  This would be a blast to fly and I loved the paint job.  And with two seats, it's perfect for couples.

I didn't get the Model/Make of the airplane on the left, but it was possibly an old Navy trainer. The aircraft on the right is a Beechcraft Bonanza - and it was for sale!  Only $128K if you're so inclined.  It was in really good condition and the paint job was well done.  The owners aren't just looking to sell it, they're looking for the "right" person.  I think they're having trouble letting it go.

One good thing about this outing was I learned about aircraft and companies that I would have assumed were no longer being made / no longer in existence.  But that wasn't always the case.  The nose on the right is that of a Aviat Aircraft Husky.  Apparently you can still get these new.

This was a nice looking classic - the Piper Super Cub.  What a great little airplane! 

I think this was a great event and it seemed like a great turnout overall.  I'm glad I went and can you ever look at too many airplanes?

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