The Sedona Fly-in

[Squeege]

Must have been one heck of a time...no one's talking...

Squeege

[kwmoore]

Well, I just got back home myself last night--went immediately from Sedona to our company's annual retreat. I think you all can surmise which was more fun. ;)

We had 8 planes, including a 300 hp Wren from Calgary! Todd & Jo brought both of their planes but were delayed until Friday evening by weather east of the Rockies.

For me it was a most enjoyable 2 1/2 days of good company, fine weather, and beautiful aircraft, all evidencing plenty of pride of ownership. A great chance for some badly needed decompression away from work. The ambitious UT/AZ air tour planned for Saturday morphed into a more sensible fly-in-for-breakfast at Gouldings in Monument Valley with 4 of the planes in attendance. Really hard to beat the scenery around there. As expected for spring/summer in that part of the country, morning air was smooth but afternoon flying was not for the faint of stomach. Several scalp impacts into cabin headliners were reported! Tom Castleberry graciously accomodated me as his right seater for the trip. 735GH is a beautiful example of the breed, and flown crisply by her master. Glen in his speedy 2099X politely throttled back on the way there so as not to leave the rest of us sucking his exhaust fumes. We had to carry at least 1", maybe 2" greater mp to match speed with his plane. He's up there in 210 territory.

Rod & Sharon's Wren was immaculate, evidencing a lot of care. First Wren most of us had ever seen. Jokes about slow cruise speed aside, it showed beautifully and clearly used the least amount of runway upon departure from Gouldings. They brought their black labrador retriever "Deuce" along, perhaps the most mellow dog on the planet.

The surprise hit of the gathering was Jim Leachman's electric motorized scooter that folds up and stows in the back seat. Jo seemed especially smitten with this contraption, and I just might be ferrying a new one to PPP for her when I deliver 21396 and pick up 812KT next week.

I would be remiss if I did not mention 21396. Dean graciously consented to my flying her to Sedona. This plane flies beautifully and the capabilities of the avionics are stunning. If one chooses to do so, one can fly this plane from just after liftoff to ILS minimums at destination completely hands-off. The MX20 (also in 735GH) is remarkable in the brightness and resolution of its screen and the terrain awareness feature is a real plus. I will use it regularly in 812KT when doing IFR approaches in our mountainous terrain. No more worrying about those vectors-to-granite occasionally issued by Bay Approach to make room for faster traffic into SJC or OAK. I am sure that the next owner of 21396 will be very pleased and proud. I predict it will sell rapidly once on display in Todd's hangar.

Did I mention I had a really good time? Photos will be posted once we have a photo albums section up on this site.
:)

[Todd Peterson]

I for one sure enjoyed the time in Sedona. The weather for the trip out and most of the trip back was much better than last year. Weather at Sedona was also very nice.

It was great to get to see everyone and answer questions. It also seems like we spent a lot of time laughing.

Our next visit to the West Coast will be during the AOPA convention in Palm Springs. We hope to see some of you there.

[C-GOEM]

The Fly-in at Sedona was just great!. I recall an old slogan for the Wren that applies equally to the 260 SE. It went something like "Special aircraft for special people". That pretty well discribes the Sedona event. Thanks to everyone that made the weekend so enjoyable. The tips, information and stories will be useful as we endeavour to overtake Glen with the Wren!! Wait till next year!!

Rod, Sharon and Deuce

[n2099x]

Sedona was once again a great time with great people and great planes, good food and the limo was to much fun. What else can you say. Thanks to everyone that made time to be there. Catch me if you can Wren Man.

Glen