HIGHLIGHTS:
 

1. Bill Deviny started his flight training on July 11th and flew solo on July 15th. His goal was to get it done before he returned to the North Slope where he works two weeks on and two weeks off. So we concentrated our efforts and sure enough, he soloed on the 15th. His training took less time than someone starting off since this is an add-on rating for him. A power pilot and aircraft owner, Bill needed some challenging diversion from flying those easy aircraft with the iron thermal up front. CONGRATULATIONS, BILL !!

2. Jerry Smeltzer showed up on Saturday and flew the 1-26. Not much lift when he launched but it was fun day nonetheless. He is a regular at Avenal and when not flying he helps out around the field.

3. Loyal's Aerobat is back (maybe you didn't know that we were without a tow plane for more than four weeks) but not exactly OK. Seems he's still wrestling with the overheating problem and an electrical glitch. He can tow twice, but then needs to stop and attach a blower to the cowling to get it back down below redline. The plane is for sale and I hope he is successful in selling it since it is more than he should have to deal with at this time in his life. If you come out to fly, be patient and you'll get launched, not quite as fast as before but better than no plane at all.