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Phil Lightstone (from May 2000 Newsletter)
One Wednesday and Thursday evening in late July, Toronto's telephone system was brought to its proverbial technical knees by a flurry of phone calls between various BFC members. The topic of debate was our impending trip to Oshkosh. Billy Lowe, our fearless president, was attending to schedules and matching airplanes to pilots and passengers. Finally, arrangements were made to meet at CYKZ (Druxy's) at 7:00 am.
Friday morning C-GTUS was up and out of its hanger early in the morning. Filled to the brim with 100LL, the bird was eager to shed these worldly bonds. At 7:00 am, Sharon Eddy and her young son David, arrived at Druxy's. A few moments later, we all were tasked with small items. Phil, GTUS's PIC was flight planning and Sharon was at Flight Services getting the weather. The prognosis from the weather gods was 15 miles and a few clouds at 4,500. The weather was good all the way. Ten minutes later and Billy Lowe arrived. By 7:30 we had the weather, flight planning, VFR flight plan filed, maps completed and US customs arranged. By 8:00 am the aircraft was loaded and pre-flighted.
At 8:30 am, after washroom breaks, oil checks and the run up completed, our Rockwell Commander leapt from runway 33. A quick call to Toronto Terminal and we were cleared through Toronto TERSA, heading for 6500 feet. The flight north was easy. Simply follow the shoreline of Georgian Bay to Drummond Island, USA.
At Drummond Island we cleared US Customs and filled up with avgas. Drummond Island is an experience. When we called US Customs in Toronto, the Customs official was incredibly laid back. "No problem getting out of the aircraft upon landing. I'm in and out of the airport all morning." Drummond Island is incredibly scenic. The airport consists of a gas station with an avgas truck. When we arrived there was no customs official to be seen but five Canadian airplanes waiting. The Esso station has a washroom (1/2 star on Tina Rogers' washroom scale) and a few pop machines. Clearing US customs consisted of handing the forms to the custom official's daughter. While we were on the ground, Gary Lopes and Billy Lowe, flying in G-OAR, landed. I think that Billy said something to the official's daughter, two minutes later five customs agents swarmed Gary's Cherokee. In less than 20 minutes, everything was out of the aircraft (including the engine) and Gary and Billy were standing in the BVD's after an undignified strip search. I understand that the customs officers moonlight as medical doctor interns. Not only did Gary get an opportunity to clean the inside of his bird, but he also got his annual proctology examination (just kidding!!!).
An hour after arriving at Drummond Island we were airborne. Next stop, Appleton, just a short drive north of Oshkosh. Did I mention that this was mine, Sharon's and GTUS's first trip to aviation's Mecca? I was expecting thousands of aircraft in the circuit and frantic controllers. The night before I had completed several neck stretching exercises and lots of eye concentration exercises. My trusty right seater, Sharon, had her eyes pealed and her binoculars at the ready. No need! Flight following handed us over to Green Bay approach. Eight minutes later we were handed off to Appleton Tower. Interesting ... we were the only aircraft in the circuit. Did we have the right weekend? We joined a mid-left downwind to runway ??. A quick GUMP test, gas, undercarriage, mixture and prop and we were set for our turn to final. A few short minutes later and we were taxing for the grass tie down. Wow, this was easier than Buttonville!
After tying down the Rockwell and unloading our luggage, we were whisked away by courtesy van to the FBO. After composing ourselves and closing our flight plans, we went looking for fellow BFC members. While in the FBO's lounge we bumped into John Donaldson and Matthew Stikeman. A few minutes later, in walks Ray Nissan ... what a small world. Twenty minutes later Billy and Gary are in the FBO. Taking advantage of a lull in the chaos, I went back to the aircraft to say goodnight to GTUS. The volunteer driving the van was a "little old lady" who flies Corsairs in her spare time. While on route back she asked me if I was going to the AirVenture show. Absolutely was my reply. In less than 20 seconds, I had complimentary AirVenture gate passes in hand, one for Sharon, her son David and myself. Wow, what an FBO.
With the "gang" assembled, it was time to make our plans. We headed over to the main terminal for a quick cafeteria lunch and plan making. Ray had rented a van. Now, how to get eight people ... Ray, Tina, Gary, Billy, Phil, Sharon, David and Gary's friend Greg and all of our luggage into the van. Some said that it could not be done. Eight people and their luggage ... no problem. After a few adjustments to the Chrysler Aerostar -- acetylene torches can really help at these times -- the luggage and all the aviators were strapped in and ready for the van's pre-flight.
Next stop was the University of Wisconsin's residence and check in. Unbelievable ... Tina had booked the rooms on Wednesday. No problem. We had four twin- bedded rooms on the fourth floor. Tina was told that each had an air conditioned balcony equipped with barbecues and jacuzzis. To make the best of the accommodation, Tina arranged all of the rooms on the same side of the hallway, thereby taking advantage of the intended large panoramic vistas provided by the large, now adjoining balconies. The Uof W student handling our registration gave me a knowing smile and a little wink. Hum, I thought, what does she know that Tina doesn't?
Well, our rooms at the residence reminded me of those heady times when I was a student at the University of Toronto. Air conditioning I thought? Only if you have Ray and Billy waving large feather fans. The rooms were quite clean and presentable. However, with a 32 degree Celsius OAT, the inside, with no air circulation, was at 42. Great for baking. After settling into our rooms, the next thought was dinner, more specifically, air conditioning. A short stroll and we were at a local drinking establishment. The beer was wet and the room was air conditioned. While waiting for our drinks, in walks John van Lieshout. Our numbers now swelled to nine. Mikey was enjoying an all-expense paid trip to a farm north of Toronto. Imagine, fresh air, other dogs and lots of trees (no Billy, you can't sniff the bystanders!!). Next stop was one of Billy's favorite dinner haunts .. the bad news was the one hour wait. Back into the van and we headed for the campus's all you can eat buffet dinner for $4.25!
Needless to say, the stay that night in the residence was difficult. No air circulation and 42 degrees. Tina said that she couldn't stand it any more. She called for her man servant to get her a bucket of cool water. A few minutes later and this nameless shameless person (his initials are Phil Lightstone. Ed.) was standing over Tina (who was resting comfortably under a cotton bed sheet). In less than a flash, a soaking towel appeared and was slowly wrung out over the unsuspecting aviator. The look on her face as the cool water drenched her was unforgettable.
Day two brought our first day at aviation's Mecca. The show of all air shows. Over 800,000 people had descended on Oshkosh, all with one thing in common, a love of airplanes.
More to come in Part Two of "Buttonville's Return to Oshkosh" or "Will Rocky and Bullwinkle Ever Leave That New Tiger?"