A good run . . . thanks . . . smooth air and tailwinds to you.

[bumper]

It's been a while. Back in the 70's as an Oakland cop, I'd drive down Earhart Rd. (that runs by the "old airport"), shining my spotlight on the ramp, looking at the parked planes. Mooneys just looked fast sitting there. I knew little about them, but did know I could never afford one. That changed 20 years later, some ten years after I founded Morgan Alarm Co., when in 1991 when I had my company loan me half the purchase price for 58065, an '87 201. At the time, this seemed the culmination of a lifelong fascination with flying, an unimaginable dream come true. As Mooney owners, we are so fortunate. At one point I owned 3 power planes and 2 self-launch gliders, but now age and (fortunately just minor) health issues have prompted the sale of all but my Husky A1-B bush plane. 

Many here probably won't remember me, as I was far more active on the forum back 20 to 30 years ago . . . still, I thought it appropriate to say goodbye and thank you to all for everything you've taught me and all the help that was given, hopefully I returned the favor some back in the day. Clear skies, unless you fly gliders too - than add some puffy cumulus to circle under.

All the best,

bumper

 

[N201MKTurbo]

Bumper is a good name. I experienced the worst bumps of my flying career over Minden.

[thinwing]

bumper if you still can get in the seat of your A1B....you are doing just fine!!!!!

[Ragsf15e]

1 hour ago, N201MKTurbo said:

Bumper is a good name. I experienced the worst bumps of my flying career over Minden.

Ha!  That’s where I got my ppl in ‘91.  Yeah, if the winds are from the west at more than about 10kts, you’ll be much better off on the ground… unless you’re in a glider, winter flying suit, and have O2 so you can get up into the wave!

[mike_elliott]

Tailwinds Bumper, thanks for all the insight you have given me and many other old timers.I have completely enjoyed what I have gleaned from you, as I'm sure have many

[steingar]

Tailwinds Bumper.  The day medical issues force me from the cockpit of my beloved Mooney will be a sad one.

[N201MKTurbo]

1 hour ago, Ragsf15e said:

Ha!  That’s where I got my ppl in ‘91.  Yeah, if the winds are from the west at more than about 10kts, you’ll be much better off on the ground… unless you’re in a glider, winter flying suit, and have O2 so you can get up into the wave!

My bad day, they were 70 KTS at 10K out of the west...

[Ragsf15e]

1 hour ago, N201MKTurbo said:

My bad day, they were 70 KTS at 10K out of the west...

Well below about 20,000’, you probably got the crap kicked out of you.  Now if you’re in a glider and manage to get above all the rotor, you can ride that wave really high!  I wanna say they’ve done 30,000-40,000’ out of Minden.

[carusoam]

Hey Bumper!

It ain’t over til…  (marauder unlocks the vocalist…)

Thanks for sharing…

You are always welcome to stop in…  (leave a note, a trace, or a hint you were here)

Best regards,

-a- 

[bumper]

Thanks for all the kind words, well wishes, and the comments re. soaring, a big part of the reason I moved to Minden. This is my ASH26E in wave, conditions fairly light that day, though I've been to 28K. I sold the ship last year, now every time I look at the sky . . . I guess that yearning doesn't go away.

 

Kingsbury Grade is ahead. My house is ahead of the left wingtip and just under the edge of the cloud. Wally's Hot Springs is off the right wing near the corner of the pic. A friend, in his 26E, took the photo.

[tony]

I rarely post anything on here any more but I had to respond to this thread.  I don't think the feeling will ever go away Bumper, may there be clear skies ahead of you.....

[MB65E]

Thanks for all of the O-rings! :-)

Blue Skies,

-Matt

 

[Ragsf15e]

10 hours ago, bumper said:

Thanks for all the kind words, well wishes, and the comments re. soaring, a big part of the reason I moved to Minden. This is my ASH26E in wave, conditions fairly light that day, though I've been to 28K. I sold the ship last year, now every time I look at the sky . . . I guess that yearning doesn't go away.

 

Kingsbury Grade is ahead. My house is ahead of the left wingtip and just under the edge of the cloud. Wally's Hot Springs is off the right wing near the corner of the pic. A friend, in his 26E, took the photo.

Awesome picture and awesome place to live.  I really love the eastern Sierras.

[sleeper-319]

<—- the guy that bought Bumper’s plane. :-) 

I’m a short timer here, but echo the thanks for everything I’ve learned from the group, and to Bumper for all the love and care he put into N58065 over the years. Be sure to say hi to Bumper when you’re traveling to/through Minden.

[carusoam]

There are a few planes around MS where….  The plane has been here much longer than the current pilot…. 

Really funny when every update in its history is better known by the entire community than its current owner… Gypsy Rose is one of those forever-planes… belonged to Mr. Belville…

 

Did Bumper’s plane get a moniker?

Best regards,

-a-

[bumper]

11 hours ago, carusoam said:

There are a few planes around MS where….  The plane has been here much longer than the current pilot…. 

Really funny when every update in its history is better known by the entire community than its current owner… Gypsy Rose is one of those forever-planes… belonged to Mr. Belville…

 

Did Bumper’s plane get a moniker?

Best regards,

-a-

No, I never named her. I did put a "bumper sticker" just below the pilot's side window . . . it says, "Bumper".  

When I sold my ASH26E, I asked the new owner if he wanted me to remove the sticker. He said, "No, that stays!".

 

I know 58065 has an appreciative new owner and home with sleeper-319 . . . I'm good with that!

 

[brad]

Look forward to seeing you and the Husky in the pattern!