Oct 7, a sensational Sunday with aerobatics

This was supposed to be a no flight day which turned into a sensational flying experience.

We leave the home of Bernadette and Philippe, and drive to Gainesville, one hour north, and find already pumpkins  for sale in preparation of Halloween end October.

We also drive by a wind mill propeller factory.

In Gainesville (Texas), one hour north of Dallas, we are going to meet with Mike, the Yak 52 pilot we met a couple of weeks ago in Colorado (see our Sept 19 page).

Mike invites us to admire his N3N-3. He has it restored in great condition, and is wonderful to look at. 

This N3N-3 was built March 14, 1940, at Philadelphia, PA at the Naval Aircraft Factory.  There were approx. 825 built.  About 50 survive as flyable today.  Mike's is serial number 1911, the 55th N3N-3 built.  It was stationed at Pensacola, FL and Naval Air Station St. Louis.  It retired from Navy service Oct. 12, 1943.  

After WWII 5 N3N-3s were sent to the U.S. Naval Academy for use as moral builders for Navy Cadets, and the last retired from service in 1961.

It is powered by a 1932 Fiat engine built in Italy. It cannot fly today as it is still very cold weather (open cockpit !), and it lacks a battery in the ELT. 

This airplane actually looks like a Boeing Stearman, but is not one...

Then we go to the tarmac, where the Yak 52 is waiting for us .


After a thorough pre-flight preparation and emergency briefing, Mike and myself board the bird.

With the passenger in the front and the pilot in the back, Mike starts the engine. 

While the engine of the Yak 52 warms up, we watch a Citation land on Rwy 35. Click on the video

It is our time to take off, and soon we are doing aerobatics.

If you only watch one video in this blog, you can’t miss this one !!!!!!

Hang on to the chair.

On the way to lunch, we witness a demonstration of a special nature. About 100 persons on both sides of the road, with temperatures around 50F (10C) spend their Sunday supporting their convictions.

We have lunch at a local restaurant.
Mike is a retired Delta captain, and Debbie is still flying as a flight attendant.

An old DC4 converted for freight awaits restoration. From what we know, it is supposed to be brought back to flying conditions and to go to Africa for freight transportation.

Presidential elections are around the corner. God has its opinion on the subject.

We drive a little further North, and meet Charles at the farm. 

A small tequila to help fight the still cold weather, and to adjust from all the loops, is most welcome. Thanks Charles.

The "Posey Express" train convoy is ready for any barbecue party.

We understand a Longhorn is being grass fed and will be testing the grill in a few months...

 Back at our home with Bernadette and Philippe, we have another nice dinner, prepared by Bernadette and “photo-shoped” to show Philippe work on the lamb chops.
Merci Bernadette for the excellent food.

Oct 8