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US 2020 COG Fly-in?

Jaybird said:
I think I saw you in the pics. Looks like they pick you up in a trolley wagon if nothing has changed.

Afternoon Jay,

No not me, my first COG Flyin was Dayton. But (knock on wood) this should be an easy hop . .
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Hard to believe it was EIGHT YEARS AGO we also went to French Lick, probably not so long ago for Scott, but it was a most memorable flyin for many + reasons discussed in our archives.
 
Can I throw in an early suggestion / request for a 2020 COG Poster? Many of us proudly display those in our hangars / elsewhere . .
(in withdrawals on SnF 2020 AeroShell poster for this year):(
 
I wasn't there but I think the local line guys / ramp crew moved Scott's plane and overextended the turn radius on the front gear and broke a piece of the gear hardware. may have grounded the plane (Scott?)
 
Worse than that... we held extended coaching sessions with the line staff about both the filler flappers and the non-standard nose axle (they did not have an Electro tug.). One of the line guys apparently took a “stupid owners” attitude and tried to use a standard tow bar by cranking the clamping screw a little tighter. As soon as the tug turned offline the tow bar exploded out of the axle and fractured the trunnion. The FBO personnel at FRH still tell the horror story. (Amongst themselves of course).

For those of you a bit newer to the group... When you have your lineman refueling educational seminar about your tank flappers, be certain to also coach them that the standard tow bar pins do NOT fit our nose axle. The pins just start into the axle but do not fully seat. If their bar takes different sized pins, the same pins they use for Eclipse Jets are a perfect fit. Or use an electro or wheel pan type tug to move your bird.
 
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I do like the location! Never been, seems a very nice airport.

Yeah, I always try to move the plane myself, hopefully just park it where it doesn’t need to be moved. When in for an annual it’s another matter, though most mechanics somewhat familiar ‘should’ know proper procedures. With my Bogert towbar, preferably 1 helper, I can walk it around the airport if paved & flat.
 
The great irony was, the young guy running the tug was thrown off by the older guy, airport manager, who took over. BAM! I just look down at the ground, looked up at the sky, shook my head a few times, took a few deeep breaths, and said, OK, let's fix this. I never raised my voice. The airport manager was feeling so sick he was on the edge of puking. I decided to just be kind to him. Theirresponse was quite amazing, Paid for everything, and when my wife brought me down thye gave us 2 nights in a honeymoon suite at the resort and a dinner and wine that ran about $250. They insisted on filling my wife's car with gas. Got a brand new machined fork, actually much better and stronger than the old one, so what the heck. Just another experience. As John Prine, my favorite singer-songwriter of all time who is on a ventilator in Nashville right now with COVID 19, sang in his song, "Bruilsed Orange" .... "It don't do no good to get angry, so help me, I know."

p.s. The baby is 8 now, in 3rd grade, he loves airplanes.
 
Sad news that Prine passed. Great song writer. Both Dylan and Kristofferson had high praise for his talent.
 
Is there a group code for the hotel? This virus thing is, knock on wood, dying down from where I am at USNORTHCOM so wanted to make reservations.
 
We should get a heck of a deal at the hotel if we play hardnose at this time., My allergies always kick in when I pay $8.00 for a beer. (my eyes water)

Life is a barrel of fun.

Ken
 
Kevin.B.Holbrook said:
Is there a group code for the hotel? This virus thing is, knock on wood, dying down from where I am at USNORTHCOM so wanted to make reservations.
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0920COA. Be advised there is an announcement coming about the fly-in. We are still planning to have a fly-in at KFRH on the same dates in September. It will probably be a little less formal than normal so COG doesn’t get nailed with large catering and room rental fees if there is a follow-on wave of shelter in place orders and the like. Should still be a great time for all attendees. Just a bit less structured than usual. As of tonight, those already having room reservations still have them. Should that circumstance change, we’ll certainly let everyone know. We are immersed in a period of great uncertainty and maintaining planning flexibility is of great value. Stay tuned...
 
Glenn,
Completely understandable in regard to the COG fly in. We are still coming.

One question - I got my reservation at the French Lick hotel. What is the difference between it and the West Baden? I can change it obviously at this stage.

BTW - I don't know what everyone is doing about OshKosh, but I can't see any way in heck that OshKosh won't be cancelled. A crowd of that size is not going to fit within the guidelines by July.
 
Little different vibe between FL and WB. FL is a bit more action oriented. The Casino is attached to FL and there are more family oriented activities based out of FL. WB is a little more refined experience. Much quieter and more serene. Multiple restaurants in both locations. Both have Spa services. WB offers afternoon formal tea and that sort of thing. FL has a Dixieland band on the front porch. Both hotels have pools. If you have not been, make certain you visit both facilities. Free shuttles between airport and all the facilities (hotels, golf courses, restaurants, stables, etc.). No need for rental cars. Shuttles run continuously between both hotels. (Every 5-15 minutes) I would check out the website to get more information on both locations to make your decision.
 
I as I'm sure many, hope things return to normal by then- but I am not taking any bets:(

I am viewing this as probably stuck at home until a vaccine is available!
 
Mary and I are going to make a reservation for the West Baden Springs hotel and hope for the best. We figure we can always cancel if we have to. Thanks for posting the updates!
 
I made my reservation for West Baden Hotel for the 16th thru the 19th. First beer is on me. See you there, bring golf clubs.
 
Pete said:
I made my reservation for West Baden Hotel for the 16th thru the 19th. First beer is on me. See you there, bring golf clubs.
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Me too, and I'll take you up on that:)
 
Pete said:
I made my reservation for West Baden Hotel for the 16th thru the 19th. First beer is on me. See you there, bring golf clubs.
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Just made my reservation too...cleaning the golf clubs and I'll buy you and Carl a beer!:cool:
 
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