There is a great website where you can design your own Name Tags right
online. Change colors and background design until it is just the way you
want it. They have cloth and leather. Check them out at
www.nametags4u.com
Norm
Pasvogle of Moline, IL.. The Storming Norman of Erie Airpark. At the
Show N Shine he gave 60 people a ride in his Cessna. At last year's
20th Anniversary it was more. We are honored to have Norm as one of
the friends of the Airpark.
See the newest safety feature for the
Challenger that could very will save your life on the For Sale page.
Floats for sale;
They are bolt on, they were mounted on a ChaIIenger.
The kit is complete. as shown in the picture.
They are 14 ft long.
Standard bottoms.
Ser. # 383-1-02
questions, give me a call.
The asking price is $4000.00 cash. You can pick them up here.
I will deliver them. Pay for my fuel and $200.00 a day for my
time. 8 hours a day of driving "on the road" time.
The Challenger fly in:
Will be September 20 21 22, 2013. This will be the biggest one yet
with all national dealers invited along with our Canadian friends.
Fly in early and stay late if you like.
As in years passed everything will be the same. We will have a Drive in type
movie set up at the end of the runway again. A large bonfire and refreshments!
We will have the best weather this year! We will have several food vendors on
site from steak sandwiches to corn dogs and funnel cakes and even a breakfast
vendor with coffee and donuts!
We are working on getting a hot air balloon there for "tethered balloon
rides" for photo ops. Many more things in the works. If you have something to
sell and would like a space call me and I will get you set up. We
welcome parts, vendors of all kinds. (No kits please this IS a Challenger event
sponsored by the QC Challenger Ultralight aircraft company). Jim and Sue, at
an Erie place.
*** *** *** *** ***
This is a modification that we are doing here at Erie
Airpark.
It is something you may want to do when you recover your
Challenger.
Picture Number 1 you can see a standard Challenger II.
See how the area under the engine is square? This is a hard area to
cover. So to make this area easier to cover we "rounded it off as you
can see in picture #2.
Picture #2. The area has been rounded off using some
scrap 035 x1/2 in tube. A little bending and some Stainless rivets and
she is ready to cover in picture #3
Picture #3. This is the modification done and painted.
A big difference! We like this look and the customers like it too.
Plus it is easier to cover than a 90 degree corner.
This is one of the best LSA shows I have ever been too.
We will will be going back next year. We planted several seeds, and we were
very well received. The public that was coming by were impressed with the
price of a new kit. They kept asking, is is that for the whole kit? I
would say we were busy talking all day, all 3 days! There were plenty of
vendors there and lots of good food for sale on site and a first class
restaurant on the field where you could go and sit down and have a steak of
fish on real plates in air conditioning. Like I said, We will be back next
year! It is already on the calendar. We also had FREE camping on the field,
with electrical hook ups.
It was a windy day! The Airport personal brought out
cement blocks and ratchet straps to help hold down out tents. The Mt.
Vernon Airport takes care of its guest! They even had free pop corn
and would constantly bring out bottles of ice water to us. then they
would want to know if there was anything else we needed. If you are
selling aircraft or parts this is a "must Go Too" show!
This is a part of the display we had set up. We
had a Challenger, single set out to look at. This recieved alot of
intrest as one could have a look at how well they are put
together. We were busy talking to prospects all 3 days. They loved
the lack of "Sticker Schock" at the Challenger display. We also had
the local Flight instructor bring out his personal Ch II clip wing
to add to our display. Jim, at an erie place.
The U/L Challenger has been sold. It was the factory's
Challenger that I finished here and was on display at Oshkosh. It will be moved
at a later date to its new home. Don't forget anyone can now get a 10% discount
on a new Challenger kit. Call me, at 309 230 0944, if you have any questions.
Jim, at an Eerie place.
I have had the pleasure of flying early in the
morning, as a friend of mine has to fly before he starts work, and would
like me in the back seat.
I am always amazed at the early morning weather, cool, most
always calm, and as you climb out at about 200 feet you can feel the air
getting warmer, as the sun's rays have already warmed the upper air. I
began to think the evening air is about the same. So there we have it, the
"Golden Hour" ( or two hours ) an hour in the morning and an hour just
before the sun sets. Without a doubt, the best time to fly.
I know it takes some
effort get out of bed before the sun comes up, but let me tell you; it is
worth it for that one golden hour of flight. A great way to start the
day! While you go about your day you can always look back to that one hour
of morning flight. Think about how beautiful he sun looked as it started
it's daily flight across this great country. To see the wildlife on the
ground as they search for that first meal and shake off the chilly night. I
have seen deer, wild turkeys, ducks, geese, coyotes and even a bald eagle
flying under me! I would have missed all this had I stayed in bed, under
the warm covers. As a result, my day is always better for getting out and
enjoying that golden hour.
On the other end, there is always that golden hour just
before the sun sets. You go out to the air park and get your plane out, do
your preflight, and wait...then it happens, the wind stops, the air is calm,
it's time. As you climb out into the cool evening air you look around and
again enjoy what God has given us. All the days trials and
tribulations fade away and you become relaxed, very relaxed. You watch the
sun sink into the horizon. The air get cooler as you turn and head for your
home field. The smile on your face begins to hurt, as you realize you have
been grinning for the last half hour. Back on the ground, you put your
plane away and start thinking about the next flight.
Now flying cross country, or overnight campouts, or to
another strip is fun stuff and I enjoy that too, But like I said in the
beginning, the "Golden Hour" is the best! Get outt'a bed, or turn off the
T.V. and get out and fly!
Jim, at an Erie place.
************* ************** ***
Need a tat for your plane?
Decals....................
Made right here at Erie Airpark.
We have 2 Challengers here for sale. One is ready to fly out and the other
needs some repair. Both are single place and nice planes. Ready to fly 9 grand
the one needing repair is 4500.
I also have a gyro project that someone could buy and finish building.
While departing for a morning flight
(Jan. 11) I was called back to the airpark. Seems we had a
prop EXPLODE! on take off. Not a hard short field take off
just a normal take off. When I returned to the field I
began picking up parts of the prop and began our
investigation.
With all the parts laid out on a table we found no signs
of FOD. The leading edge was smooth and without damage of
any kind. It looked new. We worked our way in, to the hub
area and I saw the tell tail signs of what happened. Stress
cracks. They were not bad, I thought, in fact I have the
same type of stress cracks on my prop. They have the feel
of hair caught under varnish, and are almost invisible. DO
NOT BE FOOLED! I laid the remaining pieces of prop on top
of my prop and they looked like a perfect match. The angle
of the cracks matched mine to a tee.
I installed a different prop and will bring the 2 props
to the February club meeting for all to see and I will field
your questions.
I have run wood props for 20 years and this is the first
time I have seen this kind of damage. But now I know what
to look for and will be glad to take a look at your wood
prop. This is NOT a manufacturers fault. No this just part
of the life of a wood prop they get old and become brittle
and weaker till one day POW! They will come apart. Keep
your prop clean, waxed and balanced at least every 2 years.
Keep an eye on the finish and re-varnish as needed. You
will get many years of use out of your wood prop.
As for me, I fly about 200 hours a year and I have
switched to a carbon fiber prop and will keep an eye on it.
Jim Robinson, Safety Director, Illowa Sport Flyers.
Friday arrivals and bonfire and drive in movie, pulled pork sandwiches and
popcorn and pop. Steve Bornhoeft got the Challenger Ultralight out and buzzed
the end of the runway a few times but it was getting dark so he flew most of the
way back to the hanger and touched down and taxied in.
Saturday's Pictures that the webmaster took, will post more if
anyone sends them. Click
HERE
Great celebration! Jim, and Sue at an eerie
place.
Sue and I would again say "Thank you" to all who flew in' drove in or took
time out of their weekend to help us celebrate another Challenger fly in! Our
attendance was down, weather around us was not as good as it was here. The
Challenger factory did a great job this year with the registration and pictures
and the prizes.
Thanks to Darlene and Steve for the 8 pounds of bacon they bought and donated
to the cause. And all the help they did with breakfast Saturday morning! got
any idea how long it takes to cook 8 pounds of bacon??? Dar knows!
Thanks to Kathy and Jeff Nank for jumping in
and helping cook all the pancakes and the eggs they donated. They do this at
church so they had experience.
Sue and I Were in charge of the pan cake breakfast and could not have done it
without all the extra help. We had to figure how many Plates butters and syrup
coffee forks and all the other stuff to buy. (It is O.K to get in an argument in
Alde's) I guess it all worked out.
The food was great again this year, Aledo Meat Market. The snacks and sodas
brought out by the Dewitt's were awesome! and the Drive in movie was a big
hit! Friday evening was a little cold but Saturday was perfect (58 degrees' no
rain and NO bugs!) , coco and coffee pop corn, and a hot bon fire. Great night
for an outdoor movie under the stars! If you need to get hold of our vendors
give me a call me and I can hook you up.
We had Mike Jackson here doing annuals on the Challengers I think we got 7
done this year.
I think everyone enjoyed having Frank Beagle as our MC this year, Thanks
Frank. A big thank you goes out to Bill and Patty for bringing out the PA
system and the tunes!
We would especially like to thank all the Pilots who flew in for the event,
and those of you hangared here who made the effort to get your planes out to be
on display. That's why we do this is to see all the Challengers. Thanks
everyone!!
We have decided to skip next year, the 29th anniversary Challenger fly in. So
we can have more planning time to do the 30th. Anniversary Challenger fly in. I
can tell you now it will be the best one yet! you have 2 years to plan so get
started. We already have a commitment from the frozen north...I will keep you
all posted.
Jim and Sue at an erie place.
This is a Challenger II paint job that I am
doing here at the airpark. My goal is to have it look like
an eagle in flight when done. I should have the wings done
tonight. All together the paint job will take me about20
hours to complete. The owner painted the base colors on for
me. Now it is up to me to bring this thing to life. This
is so much fun, I can't believe this is part of my job!
We will have it on display this weekend at the Challenger
fly in here at the airpark. Stop this Saturday and have a
pork chop, look at some really neat Challengers. Don't
forget the drive in movie and bonfire at dusk.
I will be in the shop painting most of the day and
tonight.....
She will soon be n the air!
Click to enlarge.
President Obama's military escort landed at Erie Airpark for some R&R today.
Those lucky enough to be there got a quick tour of the choppers and a visit with
the crew. Jim was thrilled that they stopped in. (Webmaster)
Hello all Challenger fans,
Thought I would share my cross country experience to Air venture
2011.For those of you who do not know me, I fly a Challenger II long wing which
I purchased 3 year ago. In Oct. 2010 I received my LSA certificate. I had the
pleasure of knowing Jim and Sue who own 3H5 Erie Airpark Airport (Erie IL) in
the past 3 years and I have to say that they are one of the nicest people I have
ever met and Jim always has a positive outlook in life and is one of the reasons
I fly today. He knows Challengers like I know the sun will rise every morning.
He came to Rockford and inspected my plane and gave me good advice when I
purchased it.
One of my ventures was to fly solo in my Challenger to Oshkosh and camp under
my wing. I did that last weekend and it was awesome. I left Rockford IL ,1C8
Cottonwood at approx. 6:00 AM on Friday along with all my camping gear well
organized and bun-geed in the passenger seat. It took approx 2 1/2 hrs (125
miles) to Oshkosh because of a 6 kt headwind. I didn't care because my attitude
is that it's about the JOURNEY and not the
destination.
I did stop at KUNU Dodge County Airport in Juneau, Wisconsin approx. 70
miles due north from Cottonwood. My back started to get sore and the stop was
well needed. After a short break I departed Juneau and was prepared for another
55 miles to Oshkosh. I also stopped so I could called in to the Red Barn at the
ultralight field to let them know I was coming and what runway was open.
I studied the NOTOM well in advance and was prepared to enter the pattern. It
was hard not to site see but I had to focus on getting into the pattern and
making my landing. I felt like I was in the show and everyone was watching as I
came in for my approach to make my landing. Remember this was my first time in
and the furthest I every flew. I also was somewhat unfamiliar with the landing
strip especially from the air. I was a little high and had to do a slip and I
have to say it was awesome ! For a moment I forgot where I was and the next
thing I new ,I was on the ground. It happened so fast. I have to admit, I
was glad to be on the ground.
After I registered and tied down my plane I met everyone at the Challengers
Booth. Jim was there, Greg Klemp, Karen, etc. It was nice to see everyone again
and advents like this has a way of bringing everyone together again. The
experience of camping under my wing was a little to get use to since my scouting
days. My air mattress blew up like a animal balloon and I did not get much
sleep. The show was awesome but unfortunately I had to leave the next day before
12:00 or else I would have to wait till 6:30 pm and that would be pushing it to
make it home before dark. My luck, I also had a head wind of approx. 10 kts
to fly back home. As I departed from Oshkosh, I decided to fly over Green Lake
due west and take pictures of our cabin and the lake. From there I flew
approx. 10 miles south and stopped at 13WI Nowatzski Field (Pvt.) because that's
where my wife would pick me up if I ever land there to go to the cabin at Green
lake. From there I headed south again to WI97 Mathaire Field where they had
jumpers in the air and they cleared me for landing. We always drive by the field
when we drive home from the lake. I always wanted to fly there. There I had
something to eat and fueled my plane back up because that was my last stop
before I arrive back at Cottonwood. From Oshkosh to Cottonwood took approx. 3
hrs not counting the stops.
When I finally touched down at Cottonwood ,I was sad that the journey was over
but at the same time relieved because I was tired and haven't shower for 2 days.
When I stepped out of the plane my legs felt a little disoriented and took a
little while to adjust. As I packed everything away and closed up the hangar,
sitting in my car I realized why I fly. I love it !! I'm also a Diabetic for 32
years now and I know that life's to short to wait till retirement. Grab a whole
of it now before it pass's you by.
My next adventure will be to fly to 3H5 Erie Airpark for their anniversary in
Sept. Maybe camp overnight.
Cool and damp and rainy what a great time to
cook and camp out....
A few days ago a friend of mine flew in to
my strip and we were talking about our dream planes, and what we would like to
have. The longer we talked, the more we realized that we already had what we
wanted, our dream plane. We both fly the Quad City Challenger II. Now I know
that this plane is not for everybody but as far as "bang for the buck", it
stands alone. I don't want to sound like a commercial for the Challenger, as I
am a Challenger dealer too. However it is about the best plane for the money
out there today.
Start with any 5 planes, one being the
Challenger II. and price them out in a like manner, with the same options and
power-plant. as far as cost to complete, build time, performance and gross
weight, ( this could be a great article) the Challenger II will most always come
out on top.
That's where we came out with the idea of
bang for the buck. You can always go faster fly higher, or land shorter,
whatever. All it takes is more money. In today's economy, money is keeping a
bunch of new pilots out of the aviation world. But if they new about the
Challenger II there could be a ground swell of new Sport Pilots coming into the
flying game. From there on the skies the limit! It is all about What you can
afford to fly or "Bang for the Buck".
I have many items available. Click the link to check it
out. Whether you would like an embroidered logo or you want a design
done in vinyl, or maybe I just have great price! Prices do
not include embroidery, design work. Place your order and send me your
questions. I will respond within 24 hours. Ann Comer
http://www.sportswearcollection.com/annsthimblina
Bob Olden's Stearman replica and he had me paint
on the graphics. The plane is really nice. Jim
The DeWitt,
IA branch of the club seems to fly every Sunday Morning, they fly out of
Marty Spies airstrip.
Marty Spies Airstrip IS
6 MILES WEST OF ELVIRA ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE HARD ROAD. LAST PLACE ON
THE NORTH BEFORE THE FIRST CURVE TO THE NORTH.
W 41°-51.53' & W
090°-28.96' HE HAS HEATED SHOP W/BATH-ROOM. RUNWAY RUNS NORTH-SOUTH
AND MOWED IN A BIG
ARROW. THE WIND SOCK HE HAS IS WAY UP ON EAST SIDE OF RUNWAY. OR IF THEY
FIND DEWITT IA, IT'S ABOUT 3 MILES NORTH-EAST. 563-659-3095 HOME/DAY
WORK 563-659-2866
Feel free to contact
Marty for details on flying in. Marty mlscspies@gmtel.net
Challengers101 is operated under a committee guidance who actually do
all the editing and approval of everything which is placed on the web
site. The members of our committee are as follows.
Jim Hayward - George Hurt (Challenger Dealer,
Oklahoma)
Mike Harrison (Challenger Dealer,
Arizona)
- Ralph Shultz
Bud Connolly - Bill Volcko
- JD Stewart (FlyChallenger List)
Robert Victor (Miracle Antenna) -
Bob Robertson (aerocontrols)
And remember Friday evenings at
Clinton, IA airport all summer. Good food and good friends, plan on
driving or flying in.
Leiland Widick, a Sport pilot Examiner, will do check
rides for anyone who would like to hook up with him in the following counties:
Marshall, Stark, Knox, and Mercer. Leiland is an SPI in the
Springfield
FDO, and can also do check rides anywhere in that area. And cannot
do
check rides in Whiteside County, a different FSDO.
To contact Leiland call him at home. 618-643-2744 or you can
contact
him at work, 618-453-9244. the cost of your check ride will be
$250.00
Leiland has flown in Challengers with me and enjoys flying them. If
he
is in your area, and you need your check ride, give him a call.
Jim, at an eerie place.
Friend of the Airpark, Steve Dentz Solo's his Challenger.
Click on Picture
New Friends of the Airpark, used house paint and vinyl graphics.
Illowa
Sport Flyers Home Page
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