Cherokee Pilots of the West Coast

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September 11, 2007, by Wade Sullivan

We, the fly-in committee for the West Coast Piper Cherokee Fly In, would like to say a special “Thank You” to the individuals and companies that supported our event this year. There is no way to present a fly-in without the generous contributions of money, merchandise, equipment, labor, time, expertise, and the list goes on. Here are some of our supporters, in no particular order.

The Second Annual West Coast Piper Cherokee Fly In concluded last weekend. Like last year, we were hosted by the Pearson Air Musuem at Pearson Airport (KVUO), Vancouver, WA. This year, we combined our fly-in with the Stinson Fly In at Vancouver, which provided a variety of airplanes to see. We Cherokee drivers found that the Stinson drivers are a great bunch of folks, even thought their wings are on upside-down compared to Cherokees. They got us back, though…as most Cherokee drivers hunted around for shade, they watched us go from their lawn chairs under the shady comfort of their own wings.

Hazy Arrival to Pearson Field, as seen from Jeff Soares’ Cherokee 180

Photo: Jeff Soares

Cherokees and Stinsons share the flightline

Photo: Wade Sullivan

Most of the crowd arrived Friday, with the furthest-travelled being Jeff Soares and John Gianelli coming up from Salinas, California. The weather was beautiful, and cold drinks were on-hand for the arriving crews. Bill Davis volunteered his services as our taxi driver, and did an excellent job getting folks to and from their hotels in comfort and style.

You really can sit in the shade under a Cherokee’s wing, just a little lower than the Stinson folks.

Photo: Ken Davies

Pearson Air Museum as seen over the top of Todt’s Arrow.

Photo: Todt Clark

Saturday morning dawned foggy with low clouds, so our planned fly-out to Hood River, OR, was delayed and the Poker rally around Mt St Helens was cancelled in favor of just flying directly to Hood River via the Columbia River Gorge. We were finally able to depart at 11:30 am. Once clear of the Portland/Vancouver area, the weather turned clear and sunny, making the flight up the Gorge a stunning experience.

View of Bonneville Dam Eastbound.

Photo: Jeff Soares

Columbia River Gorge Eastbound as seen from Todt Clark’s Arrow

Photo: Todt Clark

Once at Hood River, we joined the Western Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) for their second annual fly-in, toured the museum, and viewed the other airplanes that had flown in. For those who have never been there, it is worth the trip. They have dozens of rare airplanes, and the rare airplanes are rare even for the rare…for example, Curtis JN-4, serial number…1.

Cascade Locks Airport enroute to Hood River

Photo: Todt Clark

Hood River Airport as seen from Todt Clark’s Arrow

Photo: Kevin Vietzke

Mt Hood from Todt Clark’s Arrow

Photo: Kevin Vietzke

Rare airplanes and cars at the WAAAM

Photo: Kevin Vietzke

Back to Vancouver Saturday evening, everyone had an opportunity to socialize and vote for “Best Of” categories on the airplanes present. RMD Aircraft Lighting, Seaton Engineering, JW Speaker, Airplane Things, and Avtek were all on-hand to demonstrate their products and show us some new products in development. Mike Peter hosted a toast to newlyweds Dave and Janis Wheeler, who had tied the know only the weekend before. A catered dinner provided by the Stinson fly-in detail, and was excellent.