The February weather wasn’t as cooperative as we would have hoped. But thanks to the land version of IFR (I Follow Roads), 20 of our members and guests were able to have a terrific tour of the Atlanta TRACON on Saturday, February 11th. Members John and Debbie Dennis arranged a very informative tour of the TRACON, including time in the simulator where we got to push buttons, and time on the operations floor, where we were able to interact with the controllers and watch first-hand as they directed air traffic around the Atlanta area. The weather was very near zero-zero early in the morning, preventing any of us from flying into Peachtree-Falcon field. So we reverted to travel by the less-preferred method – automobile. After the TRACON tour, we had a great lunch at a local Mexican restaurant. The trip also gave us an excuse to stop by the new Aircraft Spruce building to stock up a few “must have” items. Thanks and a big “well done” to John and Debbie for donating their Saturday to giving the Flyers a memorable day. See the happy TRACON visitors above (click on the picture for a bigger version).

Unfortunately, the weather also didn’t cooperate with the February Lunch-Bunch plans of members Paul and Sherri Platt. Even our intrepid Georgia Flyers know that IFR (the airborne version) and low freezing levels just don’t mix. So the event was cancelled so that we can all look forward to better flying weather in good health.

The next Flyers event is another Lunch-Bunch outing on Saturday, March 18th, this time at Thomson-Mcduffie County airport (HQU), near Augusta. This event will be sponsored by members Ben and Deborah Bashinski. Ben and Deborah are planning a cookout including chicken BBQ and burgers. There will be a small charge of $10 per person for some great food and socializing. Please let Paul and Sherri know if you plan to attend so Ben can be sure to have enough food ready by making your reservations by email at lunchbunch@georgiaflyers.org.

Our next Georgia Flyers meeting will be on March 26th at the EAA 690 hangar at Gwinnett County - Briscoe Field (LZU). We are very fortunate to be able to schedule a special presentation by CarolAnn Garratt on her around-the-world flight in a single engine Mooney. The program will start at 2 PM. Plan to fly or drive, but don’t miss this exciting and informative program with something for everyone to enjoy. There will be assorted desserts, crackers and fruit, and coffee and water served at a nominal charge to cover expenses ($8.00). You can learn more about CarolAnn’s accomplishments by visiting her website at http://www.kerrlake.com/mgarratt/INDEX.HTM.

I need your full participation in this event. CarolAnn has agreed to fly from Orlando at her own expense and we need to show our appreciation by our attendance. Please plan to attend and RSVP, no later than Tuesday, March 21st, or sooner if possible, by making your reservations by email at reservations@georgiaflyers.org or for those who do not have access to e-mail call Carolyn Deering at 770-321-9380 (leave a message on Carolyn’s answering machine with your name, telephone number and who will be attending).

I look forward to seeing you at the Georgia Flyers March events. Also start planning to attend the April Lunch-Bunch gathering at West Georgia Regional airport (CTJ) hosted by member and past President Sam DiGiammarino on Saturday, April 15th. Keep your frequency tuned for more details.

Ron Deering