By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current
A Geneseo Classic Airplane Flight
Last year we attended a Boy Scout event which had various items or services in a silent auction. You could write down a bid and hopefully be the highest bidder. Well, we bid on a ½ hour flight in Kent Johnson’s WW2 replica Piper J-3 Cub. Our daughter’s youngest son, Caden Nommensen, 17, likes airplanes so he got the nod for the flight last Sunday from the Geneseo airport.
Unfortunately, the WW2 Piper J-3 Cub had a flat tire which isn’t the best when taking off and landing. Ah, but Kent had a friend, Dion Carr, Geneseo, who had a 1946 Aeronca Champ 2-seater plane that he would be happy to take Caden into the wild blue yonder.
It was a beautiful day for flying and it was kind of Dion as he through in an extra 15 minutes amongst the clouds. He even let Caden fly the plane for awhile. Both pilots, Kent Johnson and Dion Carr, were excellent about explaining the working of their aircraft. Dion also has an aircraft next to his Aeronca that he is rebuilding.
It was a great time for Caden, his parents and older brother plus Lorna and myself. Thanks Kent and Dion for making it so!
Experimental Aircraft Association
That’s “EAA” for short. It is an international organization of aviation enthusiasts based in Oshkosh, WS. Now I’m kind of ashamed, but while I love airplanes, I’ve never been to the Oshkosh annual event. It is the largest aviation gathering of its kind in the world.
Actually, the Geneseo EAA Chapter 410 has a program entitled “EAA Young Eagle Flight” and is provided by members of the chapter. It is for young people ages 8 – 17. It’s free.
If you have a youngster that has an interest in airplanes you can contact Kent Johnson at (309) 912-0437 or e-mail: Airport3G8@gmail.com.
Growing up I always liked airplanes ‘n still do! When I joined the Navy, many moons ago, I wanted to serve on an aircraft carrier and of the three ships, I spent the longest (two years) on the carrier, USS Independence. Whenever I had the chance I went to the o8 level on the ship’s “island” and watched the planes take off and land. It was not an easy task for those pilots especially in rough seas or at night. Those flyboys were a different breed I’ll tell you that.
Anyway, get in touch with Kent if you know of a boy or girl that likes airplanes and would like to touch the heavens above.
Olympics
So, what did you think? Great? We watched a lot of the various events. Lorna can’t move very well because of her bad back so both of us spent a lot of time in front of the boob tube. Our good old USA did really well in the number of medals awarded.
As of this writing we are tied with China with 40 for the gold. Our USA had a total of 126 medals. We had to pull for Belgium and actually they did pretty darn good with 3 Gold, 1 Silver and 6 Bronze medals. Belgium almost beat France in Men’s basketball for the Gold. Had they won they would have played USA, but it was not to be.
The game between USA and France was a somewhat close game until towards the end of the game with Curry hitting three “3s.” We really like the final ceremonies. Very “Artsy” as only the French know how. Well, Belgium, too!!
Ham & Bean Supper
This is a reminder that the annual Geneseo Izaak Walton Club will be hosting their annual “Ham and Bean Supper” on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ikes Park. This is a very popular event and it helps fund many noteworthy projects such as improvements to the campground, youth fishing derby, handicap ramp to the lodge and events for both the public and Geneseo Ikes members. The cost of the event is $10.00 per adult and $5.00 for kids under age 10.
Just some plane Humor
What did the kamikaze pilot tell his students? Ans: I’m only going to demonstrate this once, so look closely.
The attendant at the Delta Airlines check-in said to the passenger, “Window or aisle?” Ans: The passenger asked, “Window or you’ll what?”
Why was the airplane sent to its room? Ans: “Because it had an altitude.”
Quote
“The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection!”
Michelangelo
Dion Carr, pilot and member of the Geneseo EAA Chapter 410 presented a flying certificate to Caden Nommensen on Sunday, 8/11/2024. Photo Submitted
Geneseo pilot, Dion Carr (left), took Caden Nommensen for a flight in Dion's post WW2 Aeronca Champ airplane. Caden is the grandson of Dan & Lorna Dauw. Photo Submitted