The San Manuel Airport saw some new planes landing as a number of pilots flew in for the Arizona Pilot’s Association Drive-In Fly-In Pancake Breakfast and Safety Seminar.
The breakfast was provided by the San Manuel Elks Lodge. Following breakfast a safety seminar was given on Survival and Survival Equipment by Howard Deevers. Howard is a volunteer for the FAASteam safety program that provides safety talks and seminars all over the state. FAASteam is the educational outreach of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Howard has been a pilot and flight instructor for 35 years. He is based out ofTucson. The FAASteam is dedicated to improving the nation’s aviation safety record through safety training, outreach and education.
Two ladies flew in from Phoenix. They were Marguerite Baier and her co-pilot Mallory Schreck. They are members of the Phoenix Chapter of the Ninety-Nines an International organization of women pilots.
The Ninety-Nines were originally founded in 1929 at Curtiss Field, Valley Stream, Long Island, New York. The first President of the organization was Amelia Earhart. The Ninety-Nines was named after the 99 original charter members.
The club was started to provide mutual support and the advancement of aviation. Marguerite is the Phoenix Chapter Chair.
Lt. Colonel Jeff Waterbury of the Arizona Air National Guard attended the safety seminar. He is the safety officer for the 162nd Fighter Wing based inTucson. Former San Manuel resident Steve Legrand and his wife Penny came up fromOroValley.
Steve has been flying for five years and uses the San Manuel Airport regularly. Steve is a San Manuel High School alumnus, class of 1967. TheSanManuelAirportis getting busier and better known.
Construction is beginning on the runway lights, which will bring in night flyers and more opportunities.
After the seminar, a memorial service was held for Max Wood. It was attended by Max’s family, friends and fellow pilots.
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