Halloween 2009 - Pumpkin Drop at Caracole - video link

Halloween fell on a Saturday this year.
Well,
if the soaring is a little soft, we can surely come up with alternate
aviation entertainment. I invited three families with kids from our
town who have adult airport ties, but parents who don't (yet) fly.
Two families made it to the ramp for the afternoon.
The local newspaper showed up with their camera.
The airport cafe emptied onto the front porch to watch the game.

The attendees were only required to bring along ammunition of a guage
or caliber that allowed them to hold it under their arm against their
waist, to be certain it was manageable by the various sizes
of bombardiers.

To keep the smaller ones entertained while everyone got their turn,
fat markers were provided with directions to decorate melons, gourds,
pumpkins with the names of siblings, coworkers or agencies that
needed to be SPLATTED. A fun fellow, Wade Carman, who is adding
his glider rating to a single-engine was an enthusiastic videographer.

Karen Serkowski brought along a huge plate of major decorated
cupcakes, Caracole had spiced apple cider, and thankfully a
pair of airplanes for bombing platforms.

The weather was sparkling and calm. Six of the seven kids had never
been off the ground before in anything smaller than a fat Boeing.
One from each household was reluctant to think about a flight.
Instructions were offered that a parent, sibling or other designated
pilot could be chosen to loft or heave the quiet ones 'bomb'.
But by the time their chance came around, ALL the kids went
up and gave a great heave-ho. Adults who had not flown, or
had a long layoff from flight all got a chance also. Passes were
at ~300 agl and mostly 60-65 knots.

Chuck Klein, Derek Lisoski and Marty Eiler were the designated
drivers, and coached most rear seaters into the approximate
release timing. The upended bright red 55-gallon trash can was
sufficiently north of the ramp area to assure compliance with
FAR 91.15. Only one glider bombing launch was made, with
plenty of ammo on board, and several governmental agencies
were smashed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h-c8pbJu2s

Following bombing, sugary treats were washed down with cider,
and the investigation of accuracy began. It was determined that the
red-trash can is safe to serve for another event. (Zero hits,
except by peripheral spray.)

Already, three folks, large and small, have asked if we can heave
turkeys in a few weeks! And I have it on authority from the parents
that
the stories of derring-do and accomplishment are spreading through
the elementary and junior high schools, along with hopes to repeat
their flights.

What a way to promote youthful interest in the airfield and pilots!
In December we have the return visit of Boy Scouts for their fall
intro flight day. If you aren't busy elsewhere, give us a call and
come join the fun.

Cindy B
www.caracolesoaring.com