05-13
I have been a faithful member of Piper Flyer Association ever since my first issue arrived in our mailbox almost a decade ago.
I can vividly recall a recent issue in which publisher Jennifer Dellenbusch’s words addressed how closely intertwined we are as an aviation community in her monthly column, “The View from Here.”
In the issue I am recalling (“Thanks,” November 2012), Jen briefly touched on the spirit of camaraderie we enjoy once we decide to join this family of aviators. The common bond we all share, regardless of our specific area of interest, is that we simply cannot imagine our life without aviation. I have reflected on this much over the years as I meet and greet new people from all walks of life that share a passion for flight with the same intensity that I do.
Common goals
Most of us fly for the same reason: we simply cannot comprehend life without the freedom to fly when and where we please. It is immaterial whether we pull the airplane out of the hangar and fly for business or in pursuit of that perfect hundred-dollar hamburger, the thrill is still the same each time we taxi onto the runway, advance the throttle and feel the unrestrained euphoria associated with our aircraft breaking free of its earthly bonds as we commit aviation once again.
The common bond we all share as aviators is reinforced each year with the annual migration to Oshkosh. As part of Cherokees to Oshkosh we have met a number of wonderful people, and Karen and I were looking forward to reuniting with many of them once again.
Without exception, these individuals love aviation and want to include and encourage more people to join our fold. Our immediate Cherokees to Oshkosh group consists of people from all walks of life that would most likely not interact with one another socially; however, the passion for aviation becomes the common denominator and has created friendships without equal. I have no problem referring to them all as “family.”
Speaking of friends and family, Cherokees to Oshkosh would still be nothing more than a recurring daydream if not for the encouragement and support of our first and most supportive sponsor, Piper Flyer Association. (Aw, shucks. Thanks, Terry. —Eds.)
Waupaca Airport manager Pete Andersen’s enthusiasm for aviation is infectious, and it was clear when I first met him in 2010 that he wanted to help Cherokees to Oshkosh in every way he could. Each year since, Pete has amazed us with fresh ideas that enhance the Waupaca airport and the Cherokees to Oshkosh experience.
For example, Pete worked with EAA and FAA to create an aerobatic box in Waupaca. This was done with the idea that the airshow performers would come to Waupaca to practice in a relaxed environment but still retain a close proximity to the big show in Oshkosh. They would stay in Waupaca hotels as well as frequent other establishments within the city.
The advance team of performers did reach an accord with Pete, and it was the experience of a lifetime for the 2012 Cherokees to Oshkosh team to be able to interact so closely with them.
A brush with fame
In preparation for Cherokees to Oshkosh 2012, Karen and I arrived in Waupaca early so as to ensure everything was in place before the much-anticipated homecoming of the 30 aircraft that would be flying the mass arrival to AirVenture. We wanted to spend some quality time with Pete as well as other members of the Cherokees to Oshkosh core team who were also arriving early.
Pete had briefed me that the aerobatic box would be hot when we arrived; a check of the notams prior to our launch confirmed this. As we got close to Waupaca and I switched frequencies from Central Wisconsin Tower to Waupaca CTAF, Karen and I recognized a very distinct N-number comingled in the numerous transmissions we were following on CTAF.
The N-numbers were spoken very quickly, however, the last two letters were clear and unambiguous as they came thru our David Clarks: MG. Karen and I looked at each other and simultaneously blurted out Michael Goulian’s name. We landed, taxied in and parked next to a silver and blue Extra 330 with Goodyear proudly displayed on the aircraft for all to see.
Michael Goulian is one of the most humble and enthusiastic aviators I have come across in some time. I still vividly recall him walking over to our table at the Waupaca Ale House as we were going down the Cherokees to Oshkosh “to do” list with four members of the team. He requested someone take a picture of him with our group. His intent was to send it to Sean D. Tucker as an illustration of the fun Sean was missing by showing up late.
Piper Aircraft has been a sponsor of Cherokees to Oshkosh since the beginning. In 2012, they decided that even though they were committed to the 75th anniversary of the Piper Cub, they would still like to play a bigger part than they had in the past to enhance and promote this unique way of arriving to AirVenture.
The sponsorship Piper provided was appreciated by the entire flight, and as a way of giving back, we extended the offer for Piper personnel to fly the arrival with us in one of our open seats. Drew McEwen accepted without hesitation. His excitement was evidenced by his perpetual smile, and I would like to think it had everything to do with the thrill of the arrival—and nothing to do with the fact we chose to put him in a late model Archer with a glass panel and air conditioning!
Camaraderie and friendly competition
In the arena of mass arrivals to AirVenture, there are four major players. The names are easily recognizable to anyone that is interested in General Aviation, and include Cessna, Piper, Mooney and Beechcraft. Camaraderie and friendly competition is shared by all the mass arrivals.
We are very fortunate in the fact the Mooney Caravan adopted us early in 2009. This relationship has been cultivated and strengthened as the years have passed, and in 2012, the Mooney Caravan allowed two Cherokees to fly with them as they arrived en masse to EAA Oshkosh. The Cherokee pilots that arrived with the Mooneys were honored by the invitation.
If that were not enough, the Mooney Caravan also invited the Cherokees to their barbecue. Prior to attending, I touched base with the individual that extended the invitation to ask how do we ensure we don’t have Cherokee drivers on one side of the group, and Mooney drivers on the other side?
His response was swift and decisive: if anyone is sitting next to someone they know, they are in the wrong place. I loved the idea, and carried it to our camp as a mandate.
After filling my plate with barbecued pork and corn on the cob, I staked out a spot next to a Mooney driver. Imagine my surprise to find out he was the Lead for the Mooney Caravan. As Lead for C2O, he and I discussed a number of things formation-related, and even made a detour into discussing a way to fix corn on the cob in the microwave.
After supper, EAA arrived with the cherry picker to take the Mooney group’s photo. I respectfully requested our group step back. However, the Mooney camp would not hear of it; they wanted us included in the group photo.
Cherokees to Oshkosh has become an extended family. One definition of family suggests we share common goals and figuratively reside in the same dwelling place. Each member of Cherokees to Oshkosh mutually support one another, and take joy in each other’s accomplishments and achievements throughout the year, such as adding a rating or certificate.
We all look forward to the family reunion each July when we first spend time together in Waupaca, and then move to Oshkosh as a Cherokee Flight. We share photos as we spend time together in the North 40, as well as share our stories.
Lifelong friendships and memories
It has been said that friendships made at Oshkosh last a lifetime, and I can affirm that is a true statement. It is almost inconceivable that one can sit on a bench eating an ice cream cone and strike up a conversation with someone, and in a matter of minutes create a friendship that lasts for years. Yet it happens to me every year at Oshkosh.
We all have a place in our homes where we display images that engender fond memories each time we gaze upon them. For so many, it includes pictures of our family and friends. For some, such as Karen and me, it also includes those in the aviation community.
Karen was very ill in early 2012, and spent a protracted period of time in the hospital. Through it all, she never lost her focus—and that was to be in Waupaca the middle of July with her extended family. Oshkosh is the highlight of our year, and when circumstances changed and jeopardized our goal of never missing Oshkosh, we formed a new appreciation for how precious our health is. For that reason, we now have a picture of Michael Goulian and Karen on our entertainment center. It is a reminder of the extended family we all share as aviators.
As yet one more example of how far reaching the tentacles of this family stretch, I recently found an image of our Cherokee which was captured as we were departing Oshkosh. It was taken by a gentleman from Finland. When I emailed him requesting the high resolution image so I could enlarge it, he returned it to me immediately, adding that he was honored I would display his work! This is one huge family we are part of.
Join Cherokees to Oshkosh 2013
If you fly a Cherokee and want to experience a sincere atmosphere of family while simultaneously stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring something rewarding to do with an airplane, consider joining us in 2013.
Formation flight creates an element of trust like no other flying I have experienced. Those bonds are cemented as we live and train together in Waupaca preparing for our mass arrival to AirVenture. We have a firm commitment from the core team for 2013, and as a result, we should peg the fun meter once again when we all reunite in Wisconsin next July.
No matter what type of aircraft you may fly, if you have never attended EAA Oshkosh, consider making your plans to do so now. It is without a doubt a family reunion, and you will be welcomed heartily.
Terry Hocking learned to fly in 1976 and first attended EAA AirVenture in 1977. He has been married to his wife, Karen, for 31 years. In addition to working with him on the Cherokees 2 Oshkosh project, Karen encouraged Terry every time he added a rating, certificate—or airplane—to their Bucket List. Terry and Karen have a Pomeranian named Runway (his brother was Aileron). Send questions or comments to editor@www.piperflyer.com.
