Susitna River (in-lieu of Valdez)

[schnell49]

I would call the 1st Yentna-Su-Conflu-In-Lieu a big success--exceeded expectations (since i had none!!)

Thx to everyone that came out--great time and great energy!!

I think we had 23-25 airplanes stop by--Pipers to Beavers to float planes!! I think about 7-8 planes stayed the night....we had some annoying drizzle on and off for about 2hrs, some sunshine, wind event for about 45mins--other than that it was pretty decent and had a peaceful night--I landed about 1230 and I think last landing was somewhere around 10-11pm.... couple times we needed a tower to control traffic!!

I think planes landed in every direction and every possible spot on that island!!

Thx to Bush for putting an up and close show on for us!

Only one float plane so that was unexpected--we told him that a winning check is in the mail for $50 off a set of aerocet floats! (good potential for the future for the float guys...)

A great spot for a fly-in and for sure possible to do it again.

Still a bummer about Valdez but the strong showing made it equally enjoyable!!

[16-bravo]

It was a lot of fun. I would have stuck around longer, bit that wind was getting pretty nasty. Im bringing my tent to the next one. Thanks for putting this together, and well see you next time. Ron

[Dave Calkins]

It was a lot of fun. I would have stuck around longer, bit that wind was getting pretty nasty. Im bringing my tent to the next one. Thanks for putting this together, and well see you next time. Ron

Wind nasty??

A T-crate and the 185 I arrived in were the only a/c tied down. All the others didn't even move. Ron, you must be remembering your wild ride home.

The wind on the bar was a non-event. The sun went down shining. There was a fire 'til 3 AM, and the same coals brought to life for a breakfast fire.

Yes, we need to do this again.

Everyone, please put your thinking cap on and help formulate rules so we can have a contest next time.

[16-bravo]

It was a bit of a wild ride at times. I went to the north around that thunder shower, and probably should have went to the south. What was my official T.O. distance?

[schnell49]

Dave,

400lbs of sand bags; 180lbs at third seat, put the rest wherever you want; pax seat and or pod--goal is to show up and load it up as you fly near/at your gross (if you have 2000lb increase-put more sand bags in--be interesting to see this difference with comparable HP and mods.) Line up 90 degrees to the line or put the mains on the line and punch it--whatever your method is with 400lbs-ish on board.

Might get a lot of interest that keeps others out knowing they can't take off and land in 40ft or for whatever reason....heck, i would probably put the mains on the line!!!! Throw this option out there to those who have posted that a gross weight STOL would be ideal--and Valdez has STOL and since this is off airport, do something different... also might be a good way to compare this or that mod in action, techniques etc, and let the techies argue on the sidelines!!!

keep it fun, good energy and redneck, and it will create some good drinking conversation at the; "Yentna-Su-Conflu-In-Lieu; Part Deux"

PS--Henny, nice meeting ya and maybe see ya out there at JBER-nice video--that wind died right after you left and that dark cloud never hit us--seriously was a great night right after you left...

--Maybe cubflier will post a photo or two??

[Henny]

Wind nasty??

The Cub that took off right before me (Irish markings I think) looked like he caught a nasty gust right as he rotated and may have logged two takeoffs on that one. Definitely bumpy on the ride home.

[flywhatever]

battin a thousand aren't ya Mike?

[Steve Pierce]

Awesome video Henny, thanks.

[Dave Calkins]

My sweet bride suggested that pilots load as they see fit and then call out their point of getting airborne before they take off. It'd keep you honest....or broke....if the money is on the barrel head.

How about a "dogleg" strip?

How about picking a shoreline and using a waterskipping touchdown and takeoff?

Lot's of ideas.

As Schnell said, it'd bring in the guys who want a gross-weight STOL comp, run what you brung, or make up the rules from pilot concensus.

[Dave Calkins]

PS. jgerard, you sure screwed up by turning your phone off when Mike dropped you at the TedStevens International Airport terminal.

[borninak]

Hi, first post on SC.Org. Does anyone have the coordinates of the Su-in-lieu? Would have loved to have gone as I couldn't make Valdez either and was looking for somewhere to fly. Maybe next year?

[Patrol Guy]

Henny - a great video, thanks!

[jbush97]

It was really nice to meet everyone Saturday, my wife and I had a great time! Thank you for posting the great video and we look forward to sharing future summer adventures with ya all on a gravel bar soon. Lot's of good ideas in regards to new STOL competitions, I'm in if you get one started. - Jon

[njneer]

Hi, first post on SC.Org. Does anyone have the coordinates of the Su-in-lieu? Would have loved to have gone as I couldn't make Valdez either and was looking for somewhere to fly. Maybe next year?

It was at the confluence of the Yentna on the Su. Fly west until you hit the mouth of the Yentna, turn left and start your descent as shown in the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvBSdjlXF7M

I agree with the rest, it was a good event.

Bruce

[Coyote Ugly]

Awesome... I wanna go too... waaah..

[arcticmayhem]

Looks like fun. I thought about flying out that way but the weather was a little sprinkly and gusty on my end of town. That sand looks a little too soft for my bird anyway. Maybe next time.

[5 Rivers]

Jon,
Had a great time flying with you Sunday even though we could not make it to Valdez.
Really got a kick out of the "Storch" comment the onlookers made.

[Harris]

I was not certain as to which place "Should be pretty red neck"was referring to until " copenhagen" popped up.Have a good time guys

[Mike Woodson]

Dave:

Boy you are right, Jason missed a great time. It was good to meet some new friends and old (Spud and Matt Harper from 30 years ago.) Thank you for including Dave and I and letting the Beaver join in. Sad to go home. Will be back.

[cubflier]

Here are some photos.

http://www.pbase.com/cubflier/suinlieu_2012&page=all

It was a good event.

Jerry

[Tim]

Nice Jerry, that long legged Cub is bad to the bone !

[hottshot]

Man am I bummed we missed that one....

[aktango58]

How do we get the Bushwheel Mobile out there????

Take it out on the ice so it is ready?

Caribou?

MCS Mike, get your thinking going!

[Bobby Breeden]

Count me in, I bet we could think of some pretty cool challenges

Bobby