On Friday, September 4, 2015 at 7:06:30 AM UTC-6, Echo wrote:
Good Morning,

I am entering my 4th year as the 3rd owner of ASW20 #20463, better known as Alfonso's 20. I grew up soaring in New Castle, VA, and saw Alfonso a few times but never really knew him. It is my understanding that he has bad dementia now. I know the former Miami gliderport was his home field, however he never logged any soaring outside contests. I've heard many things, such as him soaring to the keys, aileron rolls with water, soaring with the canopy open, and impossible landouts. In an effort to write down all the legends, myths, and stories, I'm hoping to document all the stories and keep them with the airplane documents. Thanks!

...and yes, it still looks and flies pretty well! (and still manages to get me home)

Jordan
ASW20 'E'

Lubbock, years ago. Weather went from bad to worst. Fonz was searching for a place to land. He noticed coming down the highway a car pulling a glider trailer headed back to the airport. He called them and asked if they could give him a ride. They radioed back "sure, where are you?". He radioed back, "touching down right along side of you."

Cordele, years ago. He landed out. I went to get him and drove his van. He was in a soft, fresh cut hay field. We got setup for the derig and I was out on the right wing tip. As we started to pull the right wing out, he said loudly, "drop the wing", I said "what?" He again said urgently "drop the wing". Well, maybe 6 inches above the ground(I was careful), I dropped the wing. He said "why did you do that?", I said cause you told me to. His come back was priceless....as he said "you know better than to listen to me."

Many see my motorcycle pulling my glider out to the grid. What many don't realize is he use to put a motorcycle into the back of his van!

New Castle, Fonz and I, along with KS are cruising and simply getting lower.. Fonz hits a bump, I stopped and circled with him. Maybe we get 1/2 kt up. Of course KS keeps on going down this ridge with no where to land. Of course KS wins the day. That night, over dinner chat, we talk about this. See, Fonz wondered why KS kept going down this ridge with no place to land. Then KS came up and asked why we had stopped to thermal and didn't we see that red tail climbing at the end of the ridge? It marked a 4 kter...which was about 4 miles from where we stopped. After KS leaves, Fonzs looks at me and again answers with a priceless comment "I thought my glasses had a dirty spot on them".

He flew West and North out of MIA gliderport. I don't recall if anyone ever flew to Key West. To Key Largo, maybe, when during the winter months, we did have rare 10,000 ft. days on a north wind.

Going to dinner, Cody, their miniature Collie, would be carried in Anita's hand bag. That dog was smart, as whenever the waitress would approach, he would duck back in the bag. Once, Fonz drove out to Northern California because the dog was ill. I was in Ely and he stopped by on their way home. I offered him a flight in my 27, he declined and then explained they really had a long drive back to Florida............

Best. #711.