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Spring Arrives in the Northwest Greetings `Coupers! March managed to go "out like a lamb" in the northern Willamette Valley. There had been some flyable weather earlier, but it really had not been all that good. The final day of March coincided with the monthly meeting of the Oregon Ercoupe Erforce. One special thing of that wing is our regular meetings. Every month, rain (lots of that) or shine, we get together at one of the local airports. We try to spread ourselves around so that no one really has to drive too far. Important when the weather has as many clouds in it as it does around here. A special treat for me was that I got to be Flight Leader! I had never had that honor, usually there was some one else with a faster plane and I just had to try and keep up. This outing, Alan and his wife joined Geoff and myself. After a rather professional briefing, if I do say so myself, we departed Evergreen in formation. As planned, we went across the Columbia River and over the Troutdale Airport. Took up a heading of 200 degrees magnetic and went from there. Weather was some clouds, but plenty clear and light winds. Decent into Albany, Oregon, went well and we were greeted by an Ercoupe already on the ramp. One exceptional thing about Albany is that you taxi right up to the restaurant.
There were the usual exchanges of greetings. Every body got ample opportunity to look over the other person's plane and exchange tips. One person had just gotten his `coupe, and was looking us all over. He wanted to know how they went together so he could get his back flying. We are always eager to help, and have plenty of expertise. At least 3 A&P's were at the table, as well as one with the Inspection Authorization. As we talked, a forth `coupe showed up. I just had to get another picture.
Don't you just love those digital cameras? Instant gratification so far as Web publishing goes. We then went on to the restaurant. There were ten persons at the table. Besides Alan and his wife, we were graced by two other couples. It is always better if flying is a family affair. The conversation flowed very well, but soon it was time to leave. Alan and I decided to break formation and go to Independence. Rumors were that they had 80 octane gas. It was not so, but we tanked up any way. Alan thought that the air would be smoother at a higher altitude, so we went back north at 3000 feet. It was smoother, but cold! I had taken my coat off and got real chilly. We returned by the eastern route - up by Newberg and over the hills west of Portland. Descended below the Class C and across Vancouver. Another professional landing and we all taxied in. Was certainly a good opener for our flying season up here. If you're ever in the area, drop in! Last Sunday of every month; rain or shine. Percy G. Wood, Region 3 Director, Ercoupe Owners Club.
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