|
All photographs Copyright ©2002
Rainbow Flyers Pilots Association, Dallas Texas
|
April 20, 2002 Business
Jet Center
Dallas Love Field
For
the second year in a row we were very lucky to have the use of the
beautiful Business Jet Center at Dallas Love Field. This is a state of the
art conference and meeting facility and they are most accommodating. Last
year was our first time with them and they were more than happy to have us
back again. This year we shared their ramp with the Cessna Corporation who
were displaying their Fractional and Whole ownership line of Jets. For a
cool 4 or 5 million you could have walked away with one of these beautiful
airplanes. Also,
as one can tell from the photo to the left, they always provide us plenty
of ramp space and access. It is an outstanding place to hold this event! |
 |
|
|
 |
A
DFD 2002 participant is preparing the airplane for taxi. His instructor is
in the right seat. The best part about RFPA Discover Flying Day is that
our student pilots get to actually fly the airplane under the supervision
of a certified Flight Instructor. Pre-flight inspection. |
|
|
Mandy, one of our four FAA Certified Flight Instructors (CFI), is
performing her pre-flight walk-around with two DFD participants.
Most of our "student pilots" have never flown in a small general
aviation aircraft. Other students are repeat DFD alumni and come
back because they like to participate. Our purpose for Discover Flying Day
is to introduce those people that are interested in aviation to the wonder
of personal aircraft flight and operation. We find that may people have
always wanted to fly an airplane but either thought it would be too
expensive or too difficult. Even someone of modest means can get a pilot's
license if they are willing to sacrifice a little and have the dedication. |
 |
|
|
 |
Some
of the best equipment available is used for the day's event. This year we
were once again fortunate to have the use of a beautiful Piper Saratoga
HP. Here is the instrument panel for this beautiful airplane. For the most
part, we are able to acquire the aircraft that we use from Flightline and
Classic Aviation at ADS. These airplanes are typically Cessna 172's or
Piper Warriors. These are the same planes that our student pilots will
encounter during their training. |
|
|
Here are the officers for RFPA 2002. Left
to right: John Wise III, Treasurer, Al Blackwell, Secretary; and Fred
Blue, President. |
 |
|
|
 |
John Wise and David Anweiler at
2002 Discover Flying Day. It was a beautiful day, although we were delayed
in departing our first flights due to overcast conditions. The weather in
Texas in the Spring can be a little fickle - as we learned last year
without any doubt. This year our instructors flew 10 sorties which
amounted to over 27 DFD participants. This was a very successful Discover
Flying Day by all measurements. We consider ourselves very fortunate that
the more stringent security standards (since 9/11) were not so
encumbering. In our original planning, we were concerned as to whether or
not we would even be able to host DFD this year. |
 The WIND was really blowing on that April
Day! Of course, this spring in Dallas has been both wet and windy.
Everyone was crossing their fingers 'till it was over.
|
|
|
|
|
|
PO Box 190990