2006 was, perhaps, most notable for the pleasantness of the experience, weather playing a large factor.

The year began with a flood of registrations for the formation flight, somewhat slower registration for the regional training sessions. Formation training clinics were again scheduled around the country. We were disappointed by the lack of registration for the Florida session leading to cancellation, but Lee Buechler and Michael Hatten did eventually get an informal session together in March. I flew one flight as safety pilot with a mild virus and was chagrinned to find I had vertigo every time I turned my head back and down to look at the wingman. I learned lack of symptoms on the ground is not sufficient. Ten days later Glenn Wimbish and Ritchie Jones again hosted the NC session, successfully avoiding thunderstorms by moving it to early April and utilizing their home airport, Burlington. By this time the virus was gone and I truly enjoyed their session. They clearly demonstrated that a 100 foot wide runway was adequate for our purposes. I am continually amazed at how proficient pilots can become after two sessions with a right seat safety pilot. The third flight on their own becomes a real confidence builder and they are ready for B2OSH.

Pueblo, CO, postponed for a week because of high winds, was hosted by Robert Wiebener and led by his brother, John “Weebs” Wiebener. Glenn Olsen and David Evans ran the Midwest session in Kokomo, IN at the same time as Larry Gaines held his session on the west coast. During the CA session, Mary Jane Butt became our first female FFI pilot. Paul Carroll and I hosted a session in New Bedford, MA, and Robert Mark a session on Long Island, NY. Wayne Collins again held the Advanced Formation Training Session in TX over four days at the end of May with Mike Parrish leading the TX-mini training session the prior weekend. Additional pilots were awarded FFI status and Mike Merrill joined Mike Babler as an authorized FFI check pilot capable of granting FFI certification to qualified aviators. Ray Lewis accepted the job of hosting future Advanced Formation Training sessions. I had the pleasure of attending three of the sessions each of the past several years. Every location has a different flavor, but the result is the same – pilots trained to a higher skill level than is needed for our B2OSH formation flight.

Clearly all the volunteer effort that goes into the training sessions is what makes B2OSH what it is. Where else can one get training of this quality at no cost? Registration fees go for expenses and food with volunteers paying for their own fuel, motels, living expenses. We owe a debt of gratitude to all who give so freely of their time and money.

Several of us arrived a day early at RFD to ensure preparations for the Hangar Party would go smoothly. Emery Air again provided superb service and helped in innumerable ways. Scott Thomas and Mike Sealy had almost all the shopping done by Thursday evening. On Friday the kitchen crew of Jessie and Bob Siegfried II, Roz and Bob Weinstein, Ann and Larry Goldfield, Paul Carroll, Ken MacDonald, Scott Thomas, Ted Lyda and I had everything finished by late morning. Ted Lyda, one of our regulars but with a plane out of commission, drove his van to RFD, arriving early, volunteering to help anywhere and everywhere he could: kitchen, passing out shirts and caps, transportation, picking up the beer, etc. Many others volunteered with the shirts and caps

Jim Gall, one of our regulars, underwent coronary bypass surgery two days prior to the flight, but is now feeling great and hopeful of rejoining us in the future. We had the usual cancellations for “AOG”, health, family, work and weather. Typically, this runs 15-20% yearly. The thunderstorms surrounding Rockford the Thursday and Friday of our arrival ensured this year would be no exception.

The Rockford hangar party was a great success. Hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, salad, cheeses, grapes, beer, wine and soft drinks in abundance did not get in the way of renewing old friendships and making new ones.

Our first year utilizing a 10:00 a.m. briefing followed by a noon flight was a great success. Emery pitched in with vans when the morning bus went first to the Clock Tower instead of HoJo. The lack of a restaurant at HoJo was likewise not a significant factor. The Airport Terminal coffee shop brought in extra breakfast sandwiches and Emery provided snacks at the gate. Our weather for the flight was unusually cool and crystal clear. Taking advantage of those clear skies, Wayne Collins, the flight lead again this year, led the formation at 3,500' MSL, a thousand feet higher than usual, a bit cooler and less turbulent. Two aborts on the runway for minor problems were handled perfectly and they were able to taxi back to the end of the formation and join with Bonanza Tail. Weather on arrival at OSH was perfect and only one go-around was needed (we love when pilots make that smart decision).

Kevin O'Halloran did a magnificent job working with Carol and cordoning off our parking area. A few of our pilots doing the Ripon arrival were already there as we taxied in. With abundant margaritas, beer and pizza provided by Kevin coupled with the relatively cool weather and early arrival tents went up a little easier than past years. Thunderstorms to our south delayed some of the other formation flights. The consensus seems to be that the 10:00 a.m. briefing and noon departure will become the norm because it gives us more options and an arrival before the other formation groups.

Volunteers again set up the banner and the gazebos for the party. Red's Catering supplied two whole pigs, fresh corn on the cob dipped in butter and quantities of side dishes. Scott again bought the wine, soft drinks, and all the other numerous items necessary to make the party a success.

Our raffle was again sold out. GAMI, our primary sponsor, along with the other sponsors of our raffle made this year possible and we are indebted to their support.

A well executed Showcase formation flight was put on by a two groups of FFI qualified pilots, six from California and eight from Texas.

The Pioneer Princess is only a memory of the past so the Tuesday cruise on Lake Winnebago is gone.

Next year promises to be special because of the 60th anniversary of Bonanza and the 75th anniversary of Beechcraft. Leadership passes to Larry Gaines. We can look forward to a great year.

Elliott Schiffman

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