RV-1 "I-70/I-80 Barnstorming Tour" May 28-June 2

[N8RV]

At KMBY, we were met and joined by more tag-alongs. In addition to the KC guys and Paul Dye in Tsam, there were three more RVs joining our merry band. Nasty briefed the departure, enroute and arrival procedures and we all took off. I was tail-end Charlie, keeping an eye on everybody from the rear. At times, it was like herding cats, but we all made it to Lee's Summit pretty close to our estimated arrival time. The KC guys -- who were joined enroute by another of their gang -- led the way over the airport with smoke on. Following their diamond formation were Bob in the RV-1 and Paul in the RV-3 -- the first and latest single-seat RVs. Pretty cool. We groupies hung back a bit and then landed normally, followed by the KC gang. I decided to take another pic of Tsam with the Lee's Summit FBO in the background to satisfy my wife.


Unfortunately, my part of this historic event had run its course. I had contemplated just taking the rest of the week off and continue tagging along all the way to Denver or maybe farther, but my wife had reminded me that I had a business meeting in Chicago on Thursday that I couldn't miss. Honked me off because the Lee's Summit guys had a great BBQ dinner planned and were really rolling out the red carpet for The One. So, I fueled up and blasted off for home.


I climbed to 9500' for the eastward ride home to enjoy the benefits of a 40-knot quartering tailwind, but found that at 42 degrees up there, my oil temps were down below 160. Harrumph. So, I dropped down to 7500 and still saw ground speeds in excess of 190 knots. Clouds eventually forced me down into the bumps at 5500, but I made it home from KC in 2 hours. Certainly a LOT faster than churning along at 120 knots as I had been keeping The One company! However, it was exceedingly boring without anyone to play with, even with the XM radio. I almost missed Bob's singing. Not really.

I'm sure that some others who participated on this part of the Barnstorming Tour will chime in with more stories and more pictures, especially the in-flight formation pics. The RV-1 is a national treasure in its own right, and I consider it a privilege to have enjoyed a small part of its journey. The organization that has gone into restoring The One and sending it across two countries before being ensconced in a museum has been equally enjoyable to witness. The One is in good hands wherever it goes. Much thanks to Paul and Louise and all who have touched The One from restoration to this Tour.

[JoeBlank]

Originally Posted by RV7ator

Bob,

I'd be honored to help with a TWF stop. Question in my mind is what head count makes the deviation worth while?

John Siebold
Boise (big town, five people), ID

John,

We may save TWF for the leg TO OSH. That flight plan is in work now so we'll keep you in mind.

[Louise Hose]

Great write-up, Don! We really appreciate all your support and hope to see you at AirVenture!

[Louise Hose]

Looks like Bob is fueling at Colby, KS, on his way to Denver. Isn't there a John Denver song about Colby?

[Transporter]

Here are shots from our escort mission this morning from Lee's Summit, MO to McPherson, KS and from McPherson to Colby, KS.

This series includes the last photo of "The One" and "Tsam" likely to be taken before Oshkosh-on the ramp at KLXT when Paul Dye was prepping for departure.

https://picasaweb.google.com/dooleym...98466169246882

Enjoy,
Mike

[Transporter]

It was an honor to participate in the escort flights for "The One" on May 29 and 30 as a hitchhiker.

Here are shots from our linkup at Lacon, IL and on to Moberly, MO:

https://picasaweb.google.com/dooleym...LqQu7n0m5aCyAE

and Moberly, MO to KLXT:

https://picasaweb.google.com/dooleym...CNyWr8i33fPxPA

I was hosting the reception at Lees Summit so didn't take many photos...but hundreds were taken and I will post a sample as I'm able to gather them from friends, family, and guests.

In the meantime, here are a few taken by Bob Gurski from EAA 91:

https://picasaweb.google.com/dooleym...15810586966578

and a few shots I took of KC Flight's performance in honor of the RV1:

https://picasaweb.google.com/dooleym...68992260753970

Enjoy,
Mike

[rockwoodrv9]

I was able to get over from Glenwood Springs just in time to see the squad coming in - smoking and looking great!
Here are a few pictures and below is a link to a few more. What a nice day - so well planned and prepared for everyone who came to see the RV-1.





http://s1245.photobucket.com/albums/gg582/rockwoodrv9a/

[N53LW]

Had a good gathering of RVs' at Lee's Summit, MO KC Flight gave escort from Lacon,IL - Moberly,MO - Lee's Summit,MO - to Colby,KS
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...29268501_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...70586630_n.jpg
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...30892487_n.jpg
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...77210148_n.jpg
Also have an RV-1 album on Face Book https://www.facebook.com/KCFlightRVFormationTeam

[Transporter]

These photos of the RV1 tour stop at Lees Summit were taken by John McCullagh of Paola, KS.

Includes:
A large group photo with all available RVs
the smaller group photo of the RV1 with escorts (as posted by N53LW) and a shot I refer to as "The Heritage of the RV1 Wing" plus some single ship photos of the RV1 and "Tsam"

Also a nice photo of KC Flight in "the Vic" with smoke on

https://picasaweb.google.com/dooleym...61085547328034

Enjoy,
Mike

[Transporter]

Originally Posted by Louise Hose

Looks like Bob is fueling at Colby, KS, on his way to Denver. Isn't there a John Denver song about Colby?

As I was prepping to shoot the departure photos of "The One" from Colby the airport manager offered me a lift down the taxiway to get closer....as I opened the door on his vehicle a huge pile of dirt fell out. "Sorry about that" he said.."we had a dust storm last weekend with 100 mph winds."

Glad we timed our visit for this week!

Mike