Monosport is getting close...real close.

Glenn running up the Monosport after having the prop hub machined for a better fit. He has a couple little things to tidy up and then she's ready for her first flight after rebuild.

It's been raining in St Louis and the grass runways are really wet. It will be Mon or Tues before he takes it out on the grass for taxi tests.

First Engine run of Monosport!

http://youtu.be/zWJp43OgzYE

Glenn Peck had a successful test run of the Monosport's Kinner K5 engine yesterday at Creve Coeur airport.

Some tweaking of the magneto's and painting of the cowl is about all that needs to be accomplished before the first flight since 1952 of this aircraft.

So everyone's asking when I'm going to tackle the Cub again....

The short answer is "soon". I until Glenn finishes the painting on the Monosport (this week) and then cleans up to his satisfaction. Then I can start. The wings are almost ready to cover, the fuselage almost done. It needs an engine and I need some more $ first, so even if I finish the airframe, it'll be a while before it flies.

It's too darn cold to even think about touching it today.

Cow Pastures to Commercial Carriers

Cow Pastures to Commercial Carriers
Featuring the American Barnstormer's Tour Aircraft
AAA/APM Invitational Fly-In, August 29-September 3 2012

I just found out the theme of this years AAA Fly-In and I can't wait to go!

Always a good time, the Taylor's host a great fly-in. The local Hy-Vee is there 7-7 to serve food, many people fly their airplanes or just sit around telling stories. My good friend Addison Pemberton is going to fire up his Boeing 40 for a return visit.

Save me a cup of coffee and a gallon of 60 wt., I"ll be there.

Missouri Aviation Historical Society Meeting.

Tonite Sky and I went to the monthly meeting of the MAHS. Tonites topic was the Tuskegee Airman and it couldn't have been more timely with the movie coming out tomorrow. (Sky and I are going to a matinee Saturday.)

Presenter Myron Lane spoke about the unit, its history, the adversity they faced as the first all black fighter unit and much more. We had to leave early to get Sky home in time for bed since tomorrow is a school day, but he said he enjoyed it.

Black Thursday up in Oshkosh

Several EAA Staffers were let go today.

More info here:

http://rvnewsletter.blogspot.com/2012/01/big-cuts-at-eaa.html

In my opinion, the organization has completely lost focus. Rod is moving it even further from its "Enthusiast" beginnings towards emphasizing its "business" .

They're totally leaving behind us little guys who love flying and airplanes and are moving towards the high dollar guys who have someone build a kit for them, fly a warbird or have a business that rents space in the display buildings.

I posted a picture of the empty spaces at the front of Vintage Parking this year. That wasn't enough to get their attention.

I'm starting my "Do Not Occupy" Oshkosh movement. Maybe if the guys with showplanes don't show up and half of Camp Scholar is empty they'll start to realize something is wrong.

2011 Creve Coeur Christmas Lunch.

Little Boo poses as part of a Winter Scene.

Casey Miller Peters was here with her new baby!



A couple of dim bulbs? The kids do their best Uncle Fester imitation.

Santa Stix passes out presents.

Santa Stix with two of his grandchildren.