Potential Tropical Cyclone 9

[Pinecone]

Probably everyone got the email, but in case you didn't.  At this time there are not alternate plans.

 

Dear Mooney Summit X Attendees:

 

As you can imagine, we are monitoring the weather forecast for the developing storm closely and are in coordination with the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority and Atlas Aviation. It is too early to determine what the impacts might be. We will be sending out regular updates as we learn more.

 

We have an incredible event planned for this year with so much great safety content, entertainment and of course delicious food and BBQ. Please take a look at the Agenda and Silent Auction items. We are planning to add a few more items as they arrive from our sponsors.

 

We hope that everything goes as planned and that we see you in Tampa in just a few days.

 

Thank you.

 

Best regards,

 

Alex and Dan

Mooney Summit X Co-Event Directors

[NewMoon]

I didn't get the email, thx for sharing.  It's no longer a potential, it will hit landfall as a Cat 3 or 4. Hopefully far enough west to not create too much damage in Tampa. Tuesday evening we will know the real story.  

[Pinecone]

Checked the National Hurricane Center this morning.

Almost 70% chance of hurricane force winds for Tampa area.  

The storm surge at the airport (Peter O Knight) is showing 6 feet now, down from over 9 feet yesterday.

Winds slated to arrive around midnight Wednesday for Tropical Storm force.  Arriving in mid GA - SC about midnight Thursday.

It might work out for FL based people, but I am coming from Mid Atlantic, so a BIG end around to arrive sometime on Friday.  And not sure how the airport will be.

[dzeleski]

I changed my hotel from Wed to Friday. Hopefully we can get down Friday but it’s looking rough.

I use this page to track this stuff https://spaghettimodels.com

as well as https://www.tropicaltidbits.com

We were headed to the Bahamas after the summit so regardless we are still headed down Sunday/Monday.

[ArtVandelay]

Its now got a name: Helene.

[Paul Thomas]

2 hours ago, dzeleski said:

I changed my hotel from Wed to Friday. Hopefully we can get down Friday but it’s looking rough.

I use this page to track this stuff https://spaghettimodels.com

as well as https://www.tropicaltidbits.com

We were headed to the Bahamas after the summit so regardless we are still headed down Sunday/Monday.

I'd gas up in NC and go straight to the Bahamas if I were you. I'd imagine it's going to be rough on Friday; these maps show the earlies possible forecast.

From SWFL, it looks like the best evacuation from this one is the Bahamas. I'd normally fly out but we are watching my in-law's dog so we will likely stay put.

[Pinecone]

Latest email from Alex

Dear Mooney Summit X Attendees:

 

Based on the current models and anticipated recovery efforts we are planning to hold Saturday's Safety Day at the Conference Center at Tampa International Airport (TPA) as scheduled. Unfortunately, it looks like the weather will not allow us to have the Friday programming this year. We are looking to either move some of the presentations to Sunday for those who can stay or to let anticipation build and save them until next year's event.

 

I will be sending out a survey shortly to see if we can get a critical mass of speakers and attendees to have sessions on Sunday.

 

We hope that most can still travel on Friday to be at the event Saturday morning. Please note that we are anticipating that due to the heavy storm surge and high tides anticipated during the storm and the Peter O. Knight Airport (KTPF) and roads on Davis Islands being prone to flooding we believe it's most prudent to shift everyone to flying into Tampa Executive Airport (KVDF). Atlas Aviation is still the FBO there and will accommodate Mooney Summit attendees parking there.

 

Our hotels are being flexible in changing the bookings. Please call the hotel directly to adjust your travel plans.

 

I will be sending more information shortly...

 

I have received a lot of calls and e-mails of people switching to flying commercial or finding other ways to get to Tampa. We greatly appreciate the passion and dedication with which this group approaches the Mooney Summit and look forward to getting together.

 

Best regards,

Alex

[Pinecone]

Have to see if I am going to attend or not.   

Was really looking forward to flying down and showing off my panel, but that is not going to happen.

My primary carrier is Delta and the storm is supposed to be centered over ATL Friday morning.  And if is veers slightly East, it would impact American hub in Charlotte.  So even if I try to attend flying commercial, it may be iffy getting there on Friday.

[RoundTwo]

3 hours ago, Pinecone said:

Have to see if I am going to attend or not.   

Was really looking forward to flying down and showing off my panel, but that is not going to happen.

My primary carrier is Delta and the storm is supposed to be centered over ATL Friday morning.  And if is veers slightly East, it would impact American hub in Charlotte.  So even if I try to attend flying commercial, it may be iffy getting there on Friday.

Man, you’re just not having good flying luck this year. It’s got to get better soon.

[Pinecone]

Next stop TX PPP.

 

[ArtVandelay]

I'd gas up in NC and go straight to the Bahamas if I were you. I'd imagine it's going to be rough on Friday; these maps show the earlies possible forecast.
From SWFL, it looks like the best evacuation from this one is the Bahamas. I'd normally fly out but we are watching my in-law's dog so we will likely stay put.

Better leave tomorrow if you’re going to go, or wait till Saturday.

[dzeleski]

2 hours ago, Paul Thomas said:

I'd gas up in NC and go straight to the Bahamas if I were you. I'd imagine it's going to be rough on Friday; these maps show the earlies possible forecast.

From SWFL, it looks like the best evacuation from this one is the Bahamas. I'd normally fly out but we are watching my in-law's dog so we will likely stay put.

I’d be stopping at KCPC regardless. We will see what happens no point in flying down just to get stuck and pay for hotels in a place I don’t wanna be in.

It will probably be a last minute decision unfortunately.

[Pinecone]

Helene updates from National Hurricane Center.

Tampa is right on the boundary of the hurricane warning and the tropical storm warning.  Storm surges are back up to over 9 feet around the area of Peter O Knight.

2AM Friday center will be just north of the FL/GA border with 39 - 73 MPH winds.  But 2PM Friday, just north of the GA/TN border, but winds under 39 MPH.

[LANCECASPER]

I have always wanted to go to the Mooney Summit. It would be great if it was a time of the year that wasn't so prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Also at a time of the year when it's not hot and humid - maybe Nov - Feb? I know those times might be more difficult to get hotel blocks, but with enough planning it could be done.

 

[Rick Junkin]

1 hour ago, LANCECASPER said:

I have always want to go to the Mooney Summit. It would be great if it was a time of the year that wasn't so prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Also at a time of the year when it's not hot and humid - maybe Nov - Feb? I know those times might be more difficult to get hotel blocks, but with enough planning it could be done.

 

The dates for the Mooney Summit have shifted over the years due to a great amount of consideration by the Mooney Summit Board of Directors for deconflicting from other Mooney organization's events (MAPA Homecoming when that was a thing, PPP's, now MooneyMAX) and religious holidays. While it may seem to be doable to coordinate among the events, or even combine events, the devil is in the details. The Summit was originally in October if I recall correctly, but as other events moved their dates around, the Summit adjusted as requested by other event organizers so folks wouldn't have to choose between them on a given weekend.

There are a lot of moving parts in organizing the Summit that require significant lead time for planning, reserving and scheduling. Now is the time to contact @SkyBound and @DanM20C with your ideas on how to make the Summit even better next year, and what you can assist with to achieve that.

Cheers,
Junkman

[exM20K]

43 minutes ago, Rick Junkin said:

There are a lot of moving parts in organizing the Summit that require significant lead time for planning, reserving and scheduling. Now is the time to contact @SkyBound and @DanM20C with your ideas on how to make the Summit even better next year, and what you can assist with to achieve that.

Or maybe just discuss ideas openly here. I’m very glad @SkyBound and @DanM20C have stepped up to do the significant, uncompensated work to organize this event. Thanks.

September and October are a very uncertain season for planning an event, especially a GA event, in Florida and the gulf coast. Also having MooneyMax bouncing all over the calendar is unhelpful.  Among most industry trade associations and affinity groups I’m familiar with, the calendar is pretty well set. Perhaps this is an artifact of the venue availability for large trade shows, but it helps vendors, attendees, and organizers plan in a manner other than hand-to-mouth.

I have never found that Sun&Fun warrants a full week.  If the Mooney Summit is to remain a Tampa thing, then why not staple it to the front or back end of S&F? 

-dan

[MooneyMitch]

September/October are beautiful fall weather flying months here on the central coast of CA.  
 

Facility and close by tour opportunities abound here …….Planes of Fame is opening their Museum at (SMX)Santa Maria (all single engine warbirds located here), along with Steve Hinton’s race plane manufacturing facility, the huge Raddison Hotel ( large banquet facilities) is located on the field, our world famous wine country, Hearst Castle, Vandenberg Space Force Base ( can you say Space X launches easily viewable from multiple locations), the ever popular Solvang Danish town, Chumash Casino, beautiful Pismo and surrounding beaches, our left coast famous and breathtaking Highway 1 drive up to Big Sur, etc . ……….

Just a thought!!! 
 

I sincerely hope all goes well for this coming Summit. 

[Pinecone]

Then develop and event for there.  Maybe work with the Mooney Flyer folks as they held a May event this year.

[Pinecone]

I am still up in the air about trying to make it commercial.

[LANCECASPER]

8 hours ago, exM20K said:

I have never found that Sun&Fun warrants a full week.  If the Mooney Summit is to remain a Tampa thing, then why not staple it to the front or back end of S&F? 

That would be a great idea

[Schllc]

33 minutes ago, LANCECASPER said:

That would be a great idea

One day (half day even better) of sun and fun is plenty….

And tacking it onto an event people already travel for is an excellent idea!

[Pinecone]

Latest Update

The Westin, our HQ Hotel, is in the area under mandatory evacuation and has closed until Friday morning. All of the check-in dates for the rooms under the Mooney Summit block have already been changed to Friday, September 27th and no further action is required.

Airport Marriott reservations have not been adjusted.
 

 

[Pinecone]

I decided to not attend.

To those who make it, enjoy and learn a lot.  See you next year, weather permitting.

 

[Danb]

Terry it’s become a difficult year to get to events 

[Pinecone]

Yeah, it has.  And I was looking forward to hanging out with Mooney people