[f-AA] Middletown Plans

John Rodkey

unread,

Mar 18, 2018, 11:14:32 PM3/18/18

to Aeronca Aviators, Joe & Denise Lesmeister

Erik and I were thinking about doing both Middletown and Oshkosh this year, but we had to choose, and we chose Middletown. So now we're thinking about route and schedule.

This being the 20th anniversary of our similar trip, we wanted to hit some of the same spots along the way, and Erik is thinking about doing some sort of video documentary.

We particularly want to visit Flabob, Stellar Airpark, Lordsburg, Gainesville, Newton, Muscatine, Marion, Middletown, and Garden City, but also would like to visit with f-AA people along the way whenever it's not too far out of our way and it works schedule-wise. It would be especially nice to be able to fly portions of the trip alongside others (loose formation/gaggle).

So this is a call to all my friends on the f-AA list for suggestions for destinations, waypoints, gas stops, and overnights. We have a very rough plan drawn up but it is very maleable and tentative, and will remain so necessarily due to weather and other exigencies.

Day 1 - Santa Ynez to Flabob (Riverside CA)

Note: in 1998 we left in the afternoon from SBA and overnighted at RIR. If we leave earlier in the day, we would plan to fly farther along the route - perhaps to Blythe (BLH) the first day.

Day 2 - Flabob to Stellar Air Park (P19). Probably stopping at Blythe and Goodyear along the way. Might go to Tuscon (RYN) or Cochise (P33) depending on multiple factors.

Day 3 - Stellar Air Park to Columbus NM (NM09). We visited Bob McGrath in 1998 here, but have lost touch with him. Stops at Lordsburg and Deming along the way.

Day 4 - Columbus NM to Boerne, TX (5C1)

This was not the route of our original trip, but my brother lives in Boerne, so we'd like to visit him while 'in the area' (about a 250 mile detour). We may take a day to stay in the area here.

Day 5 - Boerne to Gainesville TX (GLE)

We will make a point of stopping at Stephens County (Breckenridge) (BKD) where we fueled in 1998 and only briefly were able to see the warbird restoration work going on there.

Day 7 - GLE to somewhere about 1/2 way between GLE and Muscatine (MUT)

We plan to stop in Oklahoma to visit my sister in law for a short time, but have no other destinations in mind for this portion of the trip

Day 8 - Wherever we ended up to Marion, Indiana (MZZ)

We hoped to see Cy Galley (Newton?/Muscatine?) and to see the Rantoul air museum, but the air museum has closed.

Day 9 - Marion to Middletown.

It would be cool to have a gaggle make this flight together, but we're prepared to be disappointed.

After the Aeronca Convention, we would take a different route home:

Day 10 - Middletown to Mexico, Missouri (MYJ)

Chosen for no good reason other than being on the route. We could go to somewhere in the vicinity of Kansas City just as easily.

Day 11 - Missouri or Kansas to Garden City, KS (GCK)

Would love to see our friends the Andresens at Manhattan, KS along the way. Garden City was notable in 1998 for the high winds we experienced there.

Day 12 - Garden City to Albuquerque, NM (E80)

At this point we will probably be very ready to be home, so may press on to Lordsburg or even Tuscon, winds and weather permitting.

Day 13 - Albuquerque to Buckeye, AZ (BXK)

No firm destination, again.

Day 14 - Buckeye to Santa Ynez, CA (IZA)

Visiting Blythe, Palen Lake, and Apple Valley along the way

Here are the identifiers of the airports along the way in this early stage of planning:

IZA RIR BLH DVT RYN LSB NM09 FST JCT 5C1 BKD GLE 0F7 GLY MUT TIP MZZ MWO BMG 3LF MYJ K34 MHK GCK DHT TCC E80 DMN LSB RYN CGZ BLH TNP APV SZP IZA

And here is a link to a skyvector depiction of the route:

https://skyvector.com/?ll=36.454279601096765,-104.0068359328009&chart=301&zoom=12&fpl=N0070A060%20KSBA%20RIR%20BLH%20DVT%20RYN%20LSB%20NM09%20FST%20JCT%205C1%20BKD%20GLE%200F7%20GLY%20MUT%20TIP%20MZZ%20MWO%20BMG%203LF%20MYJ%20K34%20MHK%20GCK%20DHT%20TCC%20E80%20DMN%20LSB%20RYN%20CGZ%20BLH%20TNP%20APV%20SZP%20KIZA

Suggestions, anyone?

John Rodkey

--

John (poobah) Rodkey - N9361E 11AC at Goleta

Richard Murray

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Mar 19, 2018, 5:50:35 AM3/19/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

Wow John that is a trip and I wish I lived on your route. Flabob is a great place which I try to visit every time I've been on the ground in California.

Flying, I have stayed North of the basin. Lancaster (WJF) (restaurant on the field) Apple Valley (APV) Twenty-nine Palms (TNP) Casa Grande (CGZ) (great pilot lounge) or Eloy (E60) (avoid the skydivers) Deming (DMN) via the Newman VOR to Carlsbad (CNM) then West of Oklahoma City and Tulsa to South of Joplin, St Louis, and Indianapolis

Looking forward to meeting you and seeing Erik again.

Richard in OH seventy-five miles North of MWO (Middletown)

--

Each sunrise is an opportunity to learn more than you knew the day before.

Mark Zimmermann

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Mar 19, 2018, 8:14:15 AM3/19/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

If you drop by 0TX0 I’ll fill you up. 👍

_______________________________________________
Aeronca mailing list
Aer...@westmont.edu
http://mail.westmont.edu/mailman/listinfo/aeronca

Roger Anderson

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Mar 19, 2018, 9:24:39 AM3/19/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

John. What a great adventure that will be. I'll reserve my departure propping from Middletown for Erik to do. He propped me to leave last time he was there. I consider doing a trip like that occasionally at least once more. However, I just can't get a mentality relaxed mind enough to realize the weather variables are something I would have to accept along the way, and just relax and enjoy. Maybe your proposed adventure will encourage me. That dip down into Texas does add a bit to your route. If you do have weather delays, adjusting that out could give you some flexibility on still being able to arrive Middletown. roger

Shaun Dawson

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Mar 19, 2018, 11:10:37 AM3/19/18

to aeronca, Joe & Denise Lesmeister

I'm pretty close to Flabob at KMYF, and would meet you there, if the timing works out.

Shaun

Rafael

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Mar 19, 2018, 11:12:37 AM3/19/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

I can meet you guys there

Rafael

Transmitted from an NDB

Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo

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Mar 19, 2018, 12:50:59 PM3/19/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

Sounds like an exciting trip John! I can hardly believe that it has
been 20 years! That's about the time I caught this sickness called
Aeronca enthusiasm. I bought my Chief in 1998...also 20 years ago.
Time flies! In that time I've put over 1200 hrs on it...every one of
those hours has been enjoyable. Although my career got sidetracked out
of aviation for quite a while, that little Chief kept me in the game all
this time...enough so that about 4 years ago I jumped back in it with
both feet, got my ATP and now fly a 414, CitationJet and a Lear 31A.
I've made many good and lasting friendships through Aeronca ownership,
many of whom I've met here on this list, so thank YOU for that!

Looking forward to seeing you and Erik and everyone else in Middletown
this year! We (the NAA Board) have been working hard for months now to
make it a fun event for all to attend. For information on the event
including a list of hotels, please visit www.aeroncapilots.com

On 2018-03-18 21:13, John Rodkey wrote:
> Erik and I were thinking about doing both Middletown and Oshkosh this
> year, but we had to choose, and we chose Middletown. So now we're
> thinking about route and schedule.
> This being the 20th anniversary of our similar trip, we wanted to hit
> some of the same spots along the way, and Erik is thinking about doing

--
Brian

Owner, Aerial Aspect Photography
Serving Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities in Northeast Ohio
216.337.5643
http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com
Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/aerialaspect
View our Online photo store at http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com/shop

Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo

unread,

Mar 19, 2018, 12:53:34 PM3/19/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

By "there" I hope you mean Middletown Rafael. You are coming right?
Carmen will be expecting you...

On 2018-03-19 09:10, Rafael wrote:
> I can meet you guys there
> Rafael
>
> Transmitted from an NDB

--
Brian

Owner, Aerial Aspect Photography
Serving Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities in Northeast Ohio
216.337.5643
http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com
Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/aerialaspect
View our Online photo store at http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com/shop

Rafael Gomez Blanco

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Mar 19, 2018, 1:02:24 PM3/19/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

Well that is the plan, Gabriel and I should be there. After all I dont want Carmen mad at me!. Wait, the last time she was making plans to marry your daughter with Gabriel, will need to check with him to see if he wants an arrange Aeronca marriage! lol. Chief still not done, got sidetrack with the Grumman so the airplane funds went to that. Gabriel is about to solo, scary! and in college! (Embry Riddle after the summer)

Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo

unread,

Mar 19, 2018, 6:52:43 PM3/19/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

Marielle just turned 9 so we may want to wait a few years for that
Aeronca wedding, although Gabriel and Marielle has a nice ring to it :-)

P S

unread,

Mar 19, 2018, 7:46:21 PM3/19/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

Wow the old world comes to America

Rafael

unread,

Mar 19, 2018, 8:07:07 PM3/19/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

Ok will leave it to Carmen, hey and an ALL Chief family lol

Transmitted from an NDB

Bruce King

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Mar 20, 2018, 6:50:46 AM3/20/18

to aer...@westmont.edu, Roger Anderson

What day do you plan to pass between Columbus NM to Boerne, TX (5C1). It seems logical that you will pass through the El Paso, TX area.

Depending on the number of people, and if you like Mexican food, I can arrange to transport the gang to the best Mexican eatery in the Mexican Food Capital of the Southwest.

The most logical stop is the non-towered Dona Anna Jetport, NM (KDNA). It is only 60 or so miles East from Columbus. To the best of my knowledge there is no fuel at Columbus, so off the top of my head I don’t know where you would refuel at Columbus. There is a old motel run by the mayor of Columbus. There is a nice motel at KDNA If you need a place to bed down.

KDNA has self serve fuel and tie down spots, you will need to bring ropes/chains.

Just let me know when the gang will be here. I will arrange transportation and a reservation at Avila’s.

I would enjoy meeting some faa members.

Bruce King

Located at KDNA

915.549.1500

N1237E

7DC

Doing my part to Keep El Paso LOCO!

Richard Holcombe

unread,

Mar 20, 2018, 10:55:55 AM3/20/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

Thanks for the info on the El Paso area.

God willing, I will be passing through on about the 4th of next month bringing a '46 Champ home to Oregon. I'll be following Interstate 10 hoping all the places that claim to have fuel, do.

On just 13 gallons I plan to stop at every one.

Richard of Oregon

--

Not all who wander are lost.

Bruce King

unread,

Mar 20, 2018, 3:23:07 PM3/20/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

As you follow I-10 you come very close to KDNA.

Bruce

Sent from my iPhone

Richard Holcombe

unread,

Mar 20, 2018, 3:44:44 PM3/20/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

Yes,

gas, motel, and food, the three pillars of happiness

At least for a day.

Paul M. Anton

unread,

Mar 20, 2018, 3:59:29 PM3/20/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

I'm at 2AZ1 Indian Hills Airpark Salome, AZ. Close to Buckeye. Although we have no fuel, I can offer you a hangar, guest room and chow if you need to RON.
Paul Anton

Richard Holcombe <rhawley...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks for the info on the El Paso area.
God willing, I will be passing through on about the 4th of next month bringing a '46 Champ home to Oregon. I'll be following Interstate 10 hoping all the places that claim to have fuel, do.
On just 13 gallons I plan to stop at every one.
Richard of Oregon

_______________________________________________

Richard Holcombe

unread,

Mar 20, 2018, 10:18:48 PM3/20/18

to aer...@westmont.edu

Thanks for the offer.

I am going to get as far as I can every day up to where sitting on the ground would be more fun, but the wind and weather will determin where I get.

Richard

John Rodkey

unread,

Aug 12, 2025, 4:54:50 PMAug 12

to Aeronca Aviators

Here are some conversations we had about the route to Middletown, including a link to the proposed route in skyvector.

Forwarded Conversation
Subject: Middletown Plans
------------------------

From: John Rodkey <pooba...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 8:13 PM
To: Aeronca Aviators <aer...@westmont.edu>
Cc: Joe & Denise Lesmeister <j...@best1.net>

Erik and I were thinking about doing both Middletown and Oshkosh this year, but we had to choose, and we chose Middletown. So now we're thinking about route and schedule.

This being the 20th anniversary of our similar trip, we wanted to hit some of the same spots along the way, and Erik is thinking about doing some sort of video documentary.

We particularly want to visit Flabob, Stellar Airpark, Lordsburg, Gainesville, Newton, Muscatine, Marion, Middletown, and Garden City, but also would like to visit with f-AA people along the way whenever it's not too far out of our way and it works schedule-wise. It would be especially nice to be able to fly portions of the trip alongside others (loose formation/gaggle).

So this is a call to all my friends on the f-AA list for suggestions for destinations, waypoints, gas stops, and overnights. We have a very rough plan drawn up but it is very maleable and tentative, and will remain so necessarily due to weather and other exigencies.

Day 1 - Santa Ynez to Flabob (Riverside CA)

Note: in 1998 we left in the afternoon from SBA and overnighted at RIR. If we leave earlier in the day, we would plan to fly farther along the route - perhaps to Blythe (BLH) the first day.

Day 2 - Flabob to Stellar Air Park (P19). Probably stopping at Blythe and Goodyear along the way. Might go to Tuscon (RYN) or Cochise (P33) depending on multiple factors.

Day 3 - Stellar Air Park to Columbus NM (NM09). We visited Bob McGrath in 1998 here, but have lost touch with him. Stops at Lordsburg and Deming along the way.

Day 4 - Columbus NM to Boerne, TX (5C1)

----------
From: Mail Delivery Subsystem <mailer...@googlemail.com>
Date: Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 8:14 PM
To: <pooba...@gmail.com>

Message not delivered

There was a problem delivering your message to drb...@vtc.net. See the technical details below, or try resending in a few minutes.

The response was:

550 Rejected

----- Message truncated -----

----------
From: John Rodkey <pooba...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 8:19 PM
To: Arthur E Angove D O Gen Surg <aeang...@gmail.com>

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John Rodkey <pooba...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 7:13 PM
Subject: Middletown Plans
To: Aeronca Aviators <aer...@westmont.edu>
Cc: Joe & Denise Lesmeister <j...@best1.net>

----------
From: Rich Dugger <richd...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 8:44 PM
To: John Rodkey <pooba...@gmail.com>

Going from Boerne North to Gainesville you are gonna almost right over my house at 10XS just a couple miles East of KBWD Brownwood, TX.
If you need anything just holler.
I may be on my way to Middletown myself but you never know.
Rich

Also Mexico, MO has Self Serve Mogas and is the home of Zephyr, I think it is.

_______________________________________________
Aeronca mailing list
Aer...@westmont.edu
http://mail.westmont.edu/mailman/listinfo/aeronca

----------
From: John Rodkey <pooba...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 9:03 PM
To: Rich Dugger <richd...@gmail.com>

I'd love to meet up with you - if you're flying to MWO, maybe we could gaggle.

John

----------
From: Rich Dugger <richd...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 9:27 PM
To: John Rodkey <pooba...@gmail.com>

I think I am flying up with Mark Zimmerman in his 210.
But if you have any problems that I can help with just say the word.
Safe Travels, John.

----------
From: Richard Murray <murra...@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 2:50 AM
To: aer...@westmont.edu <aer...@westmont.edu>

Wow John that is a trip and I wish I lived on your route. Flabob is a great place which I try to visit every time I've been on the ground in California.

Flying, I have stayed North of the basin. Lancaster (WJF) (restaurant on the field) Apple Valley (APV) Twenty-nine Palms (TNP) Casa Grande (CGZ) (great pilot lounge) or Eloy (E60) (avoid the skydivers) Deming (DMN) via the Newman VOR to Carlsbad (CNM) then West of Oklahoma City and Tulsa to South of Joplin, St Louis, and Indianapolis

Looking forward to meeting you and seeing Erik again.

Richard in OH seventy-five miles North of MWO (Middletown)

--

Each sunrise is an opportunity to learn more than you knew the day before.

----------
From: Mark Zimmermann <fmarkzi...@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 5:14 AM
To: <aer...@westmont.edu>

If you drop by 0TX0 I’ll fill you up. 👍

----------
From: Roger Anderson <11...@comcast.net>
Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 6:24 AM
To: <aer...@westmont.edu>

John. What a great adventure that will be. I'll reserve my departure propping from Middletown for Erik to do. He propped me to leave last time he was there. I consider doing a trip like that occasionally at least once more. However, I just can't get a mentality relaxed mind enough to realize the weather variables are something I would have to accept along the way, and just relax and enjoy. Maybe your proposed adventure will encourage me. That dip down into Texas does add a bit to your route. If you do have weather delays, adjusting that out could give you some flexibility on still being able to arrive Middletown. roger

_______________________________________________

Aeronca mailing list
Aer...@westmont.edu
http://mail.westmont.edu/mailman/listinfo/aeronca

----------
From: Shaun Dawson <scda...@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 8:10 AM
To: aeronca <aer...@westmont.edu>
Cc: Joe & Denise Lesmeister <j...@best1.net>

I'm pretty close to Flabob at KMYF, and would meet you there, if the timing works out.

Shaun

_______________________________________________
Aeronca mailing list
Aer...@westmont.edu
http://mail.westmont.edu/mailman/listinfo/aeronca

----------
From: Rafael <bot...@verizon.net>
Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 8:12 AM
To: <aer...@westmont.edu>

I can meet you guys there

Rafael

Transmitted from an NDB

----------

From: Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo <br...@aerialaspectphoto.com>

Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 9:49 AM
To: <aer...@westmont.edu>

Sounds like an exciting trip John! I can hardly believe that it has
been 20 years! That's about the time I caught this sickness called
Aeronca enthusiasm. I bought my Chief in 1998...also 20 years ago.
Time flies! In that time I've put over 1200 hrs on it...every one of
those hours has been enjoyable. Although my career got sidetracked out
of aviation for quite a while, that little Chief kept me in the game all
this time...enough so that about 4 years ago I jumped back in it with
both feet, got my ATP and now fly a 414, CitationJet and a Lear 31A.
I've made many good and lasting friendships through Aeronca ownership,
many of whom I've met here on this list, so thank YOU for that!

Looking forward to seeing you and Erik and everyone else in Middletown
this year! We (the NAA Board) have been working hard for months now to
make it a fun event for all to attend. For information on the event
including a list of hotels, please visit www.aeroncapilots.com

On 2018-03-18 21:13, John Rodkey wrote:
> Erik and I were thinking about doing both Middletown and Oshkosh this
> year, but we had to choose, and we chose Middletown. So now we're
> thinking about route and schedule.
> This being the 20th anniversary of our similar trip, we wanted to hit
> some of the same spots along the way, and Erik is thinking about doing

--
Brian

Owner, Aerial Aspect Photography
Serving Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities in Northeast Ohio
216.337.5643
http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com
Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/aerialaspect
View our Online photo store at http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com/shop

----------

From: Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo <br...@aerialaspectphoto.com>

Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 9:53 AM
To: <aer...@westmont.edu>

By "there" I hope you mean Middletown Rafael. You are coming right?
Carmen will be expecting you...

On 2018-03-19 09:10, Rafael wrote:
> I can meet you guys there
> Rafael
>
> Transmitted from an NDB

--
Brian

Owner, Aerial Aspect Photography
Serving Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities in Northeast Ohio
216.337.5643
http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com
Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/aerialaspect
View our Online photo store at http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com/shop

----------
From: Rafael Gomez Blanco <bot...@verizon.net>
Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 10:02 AM
To: <aer...@westmont.edu>

Well that is the plan, Gabriel and I should be there. After all I dont want Carmen mad at me!. Wait, the last time she was making plans to marry your daughter with Gabriel, will need to check with him to see if he wants an arrange Aeronca marriage! lol. Chief still not done, got sidetrack with the Grumman so the airplane funds went to that. Gabriel is about to solo, scary! and in college! (Embry Riddle after the summer)

----------

From: Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo <br...@aerialaspectphoto.com>

Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 3:52 PM
To: <aer...@westmont.edu>

Marielle just turned 9 so we may want to wait a few years for that
Aeronca wedding, although Gabriel and Marielle has a nice ring to it :-)

----------
From: P S <psch...@united.net>
Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 4:46 PM
To: <aer...@westmont.edu>

Wow the old world comes to America

----------
From: Rafael <bot...@verizon.net>
Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 5:07 PM
To: <aer...@westmont.edu>

Ok will leave it to Carmen, hey and an ALL Chief family lol

Transmitted from an NDB

----------
From: Bruce King <bk...@elp.rr.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 3:50 AM
To: <aer...@westmont.edu>, Roger Anderson <11...@comcast.net>

What day do you plan to pass between Columbus NM to Boerne, TX (5C1). It seems logical that you will pass through the El Paso, TX area.

Depending on the number of people, and if you like Mexican food, I can arrange to transport the gang to the best Mexican eatery in the Mexican Food Capital of the Southwest.

The most logical stop is the non-towered Dona Anna Jetport, NM (KDNA). It is only 60 or so miles East from Columbus. To the best of my knowledge there is no fuel at Columbus, so off the top of my head I don’t know where you would refuel at Columbus. There is a old motel run by the mayor of Columbus. There is a nice motel at KDNA If you need a place to bed down.

KDNA has self serve fuel and tie down spots, you will need to bring ropes/chains.

Just let me know when the gang will be here. I will arrange transportation and a reservation at Avila’s.

I would enjoy meeting some faa members.

Bruce King

Located at KDNA

915.549.1500

N1237E

7DC

Doing my part to Keep El Paso LOCO!

On Mar 19, 2018, at 7:24 AM, Roger Anderson <11...@comcast.net> wrote:

Day 4 - Columbus NM to Boerne, TX (5C1)

_______________________________________________

----------
From: Richard Holcombe <rhawley...@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 7:55 AM
To: aer...@westmont.edu <aer...@westmont.edu>

Thanks for the info on the El Paso area.

God willing, I will be passing through on about the 4th of next month bringing a '46 Champ home to Oregon. I'll be following Interstate 10 hoping all the places that claim to have fuel, do.

On just 13 gallons I plan to stop at every one.

Richard of Oregon

On Tuesday, March 20, 2018, Bruce King <bk...@elp.rr.com> wrote:

What day do you plan to pass between Columbus NM to Boerne, TX (5C1). It seems logical that you will pass through the El Paso, TX area.

Depending on the number of people, and if you like Mexican food, I can arrange to transport the gang to the best Mexican eatery in the Mexican Food Capital of the Southwest.

The most logical stop is the non-towered Dona Anna Jetport, NM (KDNA). It is only 60 or so miles East from Columbus. To the best of my knowledge there is no fuel at Columbus, so off the top of my head I don’t know where you would refuel at Columbus. There is a old motel run by the mayor of Columbus. There is a nice motel at KDNA If you need a place to bed down.

KDNA has self serve fuel and tie down spots, you will need to bring ropes/chains.

Just let me know when the gang will be here. I will arrange transportation and a reservation at Avila’s.

I would enjoy meeting some faa members.

Bruce King
Located at KDNA
915.549.1500

N1237E
7DC

Doing my part to Keep El Paso LOCO!

On Mar 19, 2018, at 7:24 AM, Roger Anderson <11...@comcast.net> wrote:

Day 4 - Columbus NM to Boerne, TX (5C1)

--

Not all who wander are lost.

----------
From: Bruce King <bk...@elp.rr.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 12:23 PM
To: <aer...@westmont.edu>

As you follow I-10 you come very close to KDNA.

Bruce

Sent from my iPhone

----------
From: Richard Holcombe <rhawley...@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 12:44 PM
To: aer...@westmont.edu <aer...@westmont.edu>

Yes,

gas, motel, and food, the three pillars of happiness

At least for a day.

----------
From: Paul M. Anton <pma...@tds.net>
Date: Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 12:59 PM
To: <aer...@westmont.edu>

I'm at 2AZ1 Indian Hills Airpark Salome, AZ. Close to Buckeye. Although we have no fuel, I can offer you a hangar, guest room and chow if you need to RON.
Paul Anton

Richard Holcombe <rhawley...@gmail.com> wrote:

Thanks for the info on the El Paso area.
God willing, I will be passing through on about the 4th of next month bringing a '46 Champ home to Oregon. I'll be following Interstate 10 hoping all the places that claim to have fuel, do.
On just 13 gallons I plan to stop at every one.
Richard of Oregon

----------
From: Richard Holcombe <rhawley...@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 7:18 PM
To: aer...@westmont.edu <aer...@westmont.edu>

Thanks for the offer.

I am going to get as far as I can every day up to where sitting on the ground would be more fun, but the wind and weather will determin where I get.

Richard

--

Not all who wander are lost.

--

John (poobah) Rodkey - N9361E 11AC at Goleta

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John Rodkey

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Aug 12, 2025, 5:05:41 PMAug 12

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And here's the skyvector URL for our actual trip out and back in 2018:

https://skyvector.com/?ll=36.40713650025899,-104.49023437033141&chart=301&zoom=12&fpl=N0070A060%20KIZA%20KTNP%20KCGZ%20KCGZ%20KDMN%20KDNA%20KCNM%20KDUX%20KGCK%20KMHK%209MO3%204MO4%20K89%20KAAA%20KDNV%20KVPZ%20KMZZ%20KMWO%20KSER%20KCIR%20KTKX%20KCXW%20KJSV%20KGLE%205C1%20KJCT%20KPEQ%20KELP%20KDNA%20KLSB%20KCGZ%20KBXK%20KTNP%20KIZA

John Rodkey

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Aug 12, 2025, 5:07:30 PMAug 12

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When are you planning on starting out for Florida, Mark?

Mark Peterson

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Aug 12, 2025, 5:16:17 PMAug 12

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Interesting issue. It’s actually the new owner who will be flying. Once he buys it, my insurance is null. He’s going to do some local flying to get current in it and then leave about the first of September. Trying to plan it with short stops, the aux tank hasn’t been used in years and has a dark residue on the bottom. I suppose we could put some Acetone in it and siphon it dry. The time of year makes for slow climbs so trying to get a good route for him. I5 down to 29 Palms looks doable.

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 12, 2025, at 2:07 PM, John Rodkey <pooba...@gmail.com> wrote:

<icon.png>

John Rodkey

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Aug 12, 2025, 6:09:30 PMAug 12

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He'll really need to use the aux tank over West Texas, in my experience.

Yes, plan on slow climbs, although if he's going solo that helps a lot. If he wants to enjoy the trip rather than get the bejeezus pounded out of him, plan on leaving at 0-dark-30 and flying 6 hours in three 2-hour stretches, landing somewhere with something interesting within walking distance of the airport, and being done flying at 1 pm. So, approximately 500 miles per day.

In the summer it's miserable down low, so he'll want to climb at least to 5500 and maybe 7500 . At 150-200 fpm, that's about 1/2 to 3/4 hour of climbing.

Me, I often will just get in the zone and do 8 hours of flying a day, usually in 3 hour legs, and accept the fact that I'll be worn out. But that's not a very enjoyable way to fly.

alan miller

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Aug 12, 2025, 6:52:36 PMAug 12

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John, that sounds like a great trip! Hope you and Erik are doing well. Since you’re detouring so far south already you might as well continue over towards Atlanta and come spend a day with us at Peach State Aerodrome!

Roger…… Haven’t heard from you in a long time. Nice to see your name pop up again. Are you still over near Moontown?

Aloha,

Alan

Shaun Dawson

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Aug 12, 2025, 7:14:56 PMAug 12

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I did about half that trip, going from Dallas to San Diego shortly after I bought my Champ about 12 years ago. I did more or less what John recommended, which was leave early in the morning, sit out the heat of the day, and then fly the last 2 or 3 hours in the evening. It was relaxed, fun, and really enjoyable. It was a great adventure.

I probably flew 5 hours per day, and it took me 3 days to get there. I had the time to spend on it, and when I started on the journey, I had only about 5 tailwheel hours (and maybe 90 TT), so I was pretty nervous and careful.

John Rodkey

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Aug 12, 2025, 7:27:22 PMAug 12

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Aw, Alan... Sad to say, this is the thread from 2018, when Erik and I flew to MWO . I was resurrecting it because Mark Peterson's sold his airplane and the new owner will be flying down the West Coast and across to Florida and wanted some ideas about possible routes.

I'd LOVE to fly over to Atlanta - maybe I should put it on my post-retirement trip planning. :) 2 years to go.

On Tue, Aug 12, 2025 at 3:52 PM alan miller <wam...@gmail.com> wrote:

John Rodkey

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Aug 12, 2025, 7:29:20 PMAug 12

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Good for you, Shaun! Yes, another couple hours after the heat of the day breaks also works.

Let's see: you probably have about 700-800 hours now?

Shaun Dawson

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Aug 12, 2025, 9:43:04 PMAug 12

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Close. 950 :).

alan miller

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Aug 13, 2025, 5:11:19 AMAug 13

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now it makes sense, I thought I was going through a time warp, and was surprised to see Roger's reply.

'Botijo G' via aeronca

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Aug 13, 2025, 6:54:18 AMAug 13

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Ha ha well knowing Roger if he could prank us he would

Sent from an NDB

On Aug 13, 2025, at 2:11 AM, alan miller <wam...@gmail.com> wrote:

Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo

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Aug 13, 2025, 7:47:57 AMAug 13

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Last I heard Roger is doing fine. He and his wife are enjoying cruises.
He sold his beautiful blue and white Chief several years ago. He and I
share an appreciation for bourbon and craft beer and we discuss it every
once in a while. Always loved his stories from his time as an ATC...

>> [1]

>> [2]

>>
>> Suggestions, anyone?
>>
>> John Rodkey --
>> John (poobah) Rodkey - N9361E 11AC at Goleta
>>
>> ----------
>> From: Mail Delivery Subsystem <mailer...@googlemail.com>
>> Date: Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 8:14 PM
>> To: <pooba...@gmail.com>
>>
>> <icon.png>
>>

>> MESSAGE NOT DELIVERED

>> including a list of hotels, please visit www.aeroncapilots.com [3]

>>
>> On 2018-03-18 21:13, John Rodkey wrote:
>>> Erik and I were thinking about doing both Middletown and Oshkosh
>> this
>>> year, but we had to choose, and we chose Middletown. So now we're
>>> thinking about route and schedule.
>>> This being the 20th anniversary of our similar trip, we wanted to
>> hit
>>> some of the same spots along the way, and Erik is thinking about
>> doing
>>
>> --
>> Brian
>>
>> Owner, Aerial Aspect Photography
>> Serving Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities in Northeast
>> Ohio
>> 216.337.5643
>> http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com

>> Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/aerialaspect [4]

>> View our Online photo store at http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com/shop

>> [5]

>>
>> ----------
>> From: Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo <br...@aerialaspectphoto.com>
>> Date: Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 9:53 AM
>> To: <aer...@westmont.edu>
>>
>> By "there" I hope you mean Middletown Rafael. You are coming right?
>>
>> Carmen will be expecting you...
>>
>> On 2018-03-19 09:10, Rafael wrote:
>>> I can meet you guys there
>>> Rafael
>>>
>>> Transmitted from an NDB
>>
>> --
>> Brian
>>
>> Owner, Aerial Aspect Photography
>> Serving Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities in Northeast
>> Ohio
>> 216.337.5643
>> http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com

>> Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/aerialaspect [4]

>> View our Online photo store at http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com/shop

>> [5]

>> _Doing my part to_ Keep El Paso LOCO!

> Links:
> ------
> [1]
> https://skyvector.com/?ll=36.40713650025899,-104.49023437033141&chart=301&zoom=12&fpl=N0070A060%20KIZA%20KTNP%20KCGZ%20KCGZ%20KDMN%20KDNA%20KCNM%20KDUX%20KGCK%20KMHK%209MO3%204MO4%20K89%20KAAA%20KDNV%20KVPZ%20KMZZ%20KMWO%20KSER%20KCIR%20KTKX%20KCXW%20KJSV%20KGLE%205C1%20KJCT%20KPEQ%20KELP%20KDNA%20KLSB%20KCGZ%20KBXK%20KTNP%20KIZA
> [2]
> https://skyvector.com/?ll=36.454279601096765,-104.0068359328009&chart=301&zoom=12&fpl=N0070A060%20KSBA%20RIR%20BLH%20DVT%20RYN%20LSB%20NM09%20FST%20JCT%205C1%20BKD%20GLE%200F7%20GLY%20MUT%20TIP%20MZZ%20MWO%20BMG%203LF%20MYJ%20K34%20MHK%20GCK%20DHT%20TCC%20E80%20DMN%20LSB%20RYN%20CGZ%20BLH%20TNP%20APV%20SZP%20KIZA
> [3] http://www.aeroncapilots.com
> [4] http://www.facebook.com/aerialaspect
> [5] http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com/shop

--
Brian

Owner, Aerial Aspect Photography
Serving Cleveland, Akron and surrounding communities in Northeast Ohio
216.337.5643
http://www.aerialaspectphoto.com
Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/aerialaspect

'Botijo G' via aeronca

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Aug 13, 2025, 8:21:31 AMAug 13

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Tell him he is missed I. The list next time you see him.
Sent from an NDB

> On Aug 13, 2025, at 4:47 AM, Brian Matz ~ Aerial Aspect Photo <br...@aerialaspectphoto.com> wrote:
>
> Last I heard Roger is doing fine. He and his wife are enjoying cruises. He sold his beautiful blue and white Chief several years ago. He and I share an appreciation for bourbon and craft beer and we discuss it every once in a while. Always loved his stories from his time as an ATC...

Richard Murray

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Aug 13, 2025, 8:53:56 AMAug 13

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It's been a year or so since I last exchanged emails with Roger

'Botijo G' via aeronca

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Aug 13, 2025, 9:09:31 AMAug 13

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Not to start anything in how long is taking me to finish my airplane but……thinking back of all the prople that were on the list a couple of decades along I can only thing that they are missed and that we always have a great group of folks here

Sent from an NDB

On Aug 13, 2025, at 5:53 AM, Richard Murray <murra...@gmail.com> wrote:

Richard Murray

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Aug 13, 2025, 9:28:34 AMAug 13

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Strongly agree with you.

I was thinking about Capt Doug on Monday while in Michigan

'Rafael Gomez Blanco' via aeronca

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Aug 13, 2025, 9:59:10 AMAug 13

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So many great folks, always fun and always helpfull to what ever extend was needed

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