Dawn Patrol Rendezvous 2009

stephen · 29 February 2008, 11:03 AM

Are there any changes afoot in DPR 2009? Do we have dates, places, and is the GWAA moving the event to a new venue?

Inquiring minds, and all that...

stephen · 29 February 2008, 02:22 PM

The USAFM event is slated for 25-27 Sept 2009.

jumpinjan · 29 February 2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephen

...is the GWAA moving the event to a new venue?
Inquiring minds, and all that...

Stephen,
Talk to Dave Watts. He & I had a discussion on the topic of a possible, off-year event at the AMA flying field in Muncie. He said the AMA staff was favorable to the idea and this could be a money making event for the GWAA club.
There is an airfield adjacent to the AMA property too.
Jan

stephen · 29 February 2008, 04:31 PM

Thanks for the info. I spoke with another influential person within the GWAA just a few weeks ago and he said that one of their primary goals had to be re-establishing control over their own event, which had been wrested away - knowingly or unknowingly - over recent years by the museum.

Is that not the case? It sounds as if creating a new off-year event is essentially abdicating control of their event permanently. What is the prevailing attitude right now? And if the GWAA does start another event, will it begin this year?

jumpinjan · 29 February 2008, 05:01 PM

I see that everything is directed by the Base now. Nothing is firmed up on the off-year, just on-going discussions, I think. The AMA site is a great idea to hold an WWI event. Also, the fall GWA fall event in Newville PA is another possiblity. The GWAA has taken an active participation in their event for the past two years (and having a great time too)
If you guys want to have a meeting, I'll attend.
Call Dave.

Laserlloyd · 29 February 2008, 06:04 PM

Quote:

If you guys want to have a meeting, I'll attend.
Call Dave.

Count me in too....

I only have Dave's Train shop phone number...

Keep me informed since Dave, Stephen and I are all local here in Indy.

Lloyd...

stephen · 29 February 2008, 07:43 PM

I know one of the GWA guys pretty well, and from what I hear its a completely closed event. No public admittance, no cameras, no nothing. I can't see that as a replacement event for DPR. Its a cool idea, but no one can see it but the participants.

To my limited knowledge, it seems that concerns involve a lack of control over the event and a low plane count. Is that generally correct?

It seems that a lot depends on what the GWAA wants to accomplish with the event. If its a fundraiser, that dictates lots of public involvement, more airplanes and more vendors. If its raising awareness of WWI aviation, same result. If its strictly for the participants' enjoyment, then maybe the GWA event in PA is best.

I have no ax to grind either way, but I'd like to keep my ear to the ground and as a big fan of the event, I'm curious as to where its headed.

jumpinjan · 1 March 2008, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephen

To my limited knowledge, it seems that concerns involve a lack of control over the event and a low plane count. Is that generally correct?

Well, the USAF is the event director (AF property), but for some reason now, the FAA has the highest echelon of aircraft control for the past 2 events. I think the previous events were all USAF control, and they included some loose formation flying, & the ballon busting. All that has changed. So, if the USAF's motto is to "Fly & Fight", I guess the FAA's motto might be "We Control You for Your Own Safety and Other's".
Newville is probably no the best idea for fund raising & public awareness, but its great fun for the GWA & GWAA participants.
Jan
(By the way, I was asked, by Steven Ruffin, to report on the DPR 2007 for the next OTF issue (spring). I provided more background info that one doesn't usually find in articles about it)

stephen · 1 March 2008, 07:27 AM

I love DRP, but the event does seem to have become too much of an aerial parade. I was at the first DPR on the front lawn of the museum and the freedom for both spectators and pilots was amazing compared to the sanitized, save-the-children atmosphere in recent years.

Spectators could walk out very close to the runway, there were fewer bureaucrats present, formation flying was allowed, and then, of course, there was the breathtaking, incredible dogfight between Fred and Fred that really highlighted the whole show. None of that freedom exists now.

How do we free ourselves from the regulators and safety freaks and return to a fun, more enjoyable and relaxed program? Of course, there are some levels of regulatory infestation that we can't break away from, but surely the damage could be minimized?

Can't wait to read your expose on the last event. Looking forward to it.

Doesn't sound like the GWAA has really decided on a direction yet though.

Laserlloyd · 1 March 2008, 08:24 AM

From my limited understanding on the balloon bust was that the base commander had told the group the balloon bust was not going to happen and no further discussion on the subject. This would have added at lest some more entertainment for the spectators. Did the FAA have any influence in this decision or what it all on the part of USAF. From what I heard that it was a safety issue for the spectators, if this is true how does ORA get away with it and is there any safety precautions that could be implemented?

Lloyd...