by Darren Coomler

Hello EAA 1541 Chapter Members and Friends,

Hope all of you are doing well and staying healthy. Between the pandemic, heat wave and smoke this can be a challenge. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t flown in weeks due to the smoke and heat. This year is going to be one for the books.

The other evening, I heard a large jet aircraft fly over my home, I stuck my head out the door but couldn’t see this low level aircraft due to the heavy smoke. I grabbed my iPad and opened Foreflight to see that it was a DC10 air tanker on approach to McClellan. I spent the next hour tracking the air attack aircraft working the fire near Lake Berryessa. I don’t know who and how they are coordinating the water drops, but the number of planes in close proximity at the same altitude flying all different directions is a little unnerving to watch on an iPad. After this fire season I think a speaker from a CAL FIRE spotter plane would be a great chapter member meeting presenter.

I believe most of you are using Foreflight. This program is invaluable; when you open Foreflight these days it seems to be awash with red TFR’s, and the conditions seem to changing daily.
As I have said in previous messages, I still miss meeting in person with all of you. I cannot wait to meet again, share stories, eat some great food and make plans for our chapter activities.
Be well and stay safe.