Balck Hawk Down - Col(R) Jim Viloa at KGAI - Jan 26 @ 3:00 PM

[Seth]

I just recieved an email from the mananger of the FBO at KGAI, DC Metro Aviation Services, and I'm planning to attend this event on January 26, 2013.  I'll copy and paste it below, but it looks like Retired Colenel Jim Viola, based at KGAI, is going to give us the inside story of Black Hawk Down, both from the real battle in 1993 and the Movie in 2001, as he flew helicopters in both events. 

 

The cafe in the main terminal is where the event will take place, so if you come out a bit earlier, we can get some food there.  It is my home base and there is no landing or ramp fee for a Mooney.  There is an overnight parking rate.  There is also self serve and full service fuel, but it's less expensive at airports very close by (FDK, DMW).

 

If you want to attend, let me know and I'll get there early to meet up with the Mooney Pilots.  If there is enough interest, I'll coordinate with the FBO to ensure we'll be parked near each other and to see if I can get a fuel discount arranged.

 

KGAI, Gaithersburgh is inside the SFRA so you have to travel there by an SFRA VFR Flight Plan or an IFR Flight Plan.  Make sure to take the SFRA training and PM me or ask on this thread and the SFRA pilots will let you know the simple ways to operate in the SFRA.

 

Hope you can make it!

 

-Seth

 

 

 

COL® Jim Viola, based here at GAI, will give a presentation on the inside story of Black Hawk Down,

Comparing the actual Oct 1993 events in Somalia with the 2001 making of the movie in Morocco.

He will tell you everything you wanted to know about BHD.

He knows firsthand, he was flying helicopters in both events.

 

 

  When:  January 26, 2013  Saturday

 

  Where: The Cafe at GAI

 

  Time: Starts at 3 pm

 

  The MCPA will provide free Beer to all pilots over 21 attending.

 

  Purpose of the event is to introduce the MCAA organization to the local pilots, educate all of us on a cool subject, and for all of us to get to know one another better.

 

  There is no cost to attend, no cost for the beer, and should you want something to eat at the Cafe they will be open to take your order and money.

[Seth]

http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/33607-black-hawk-down/

http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/33606-black-hawk-down/

[N33GG]

Wish I lived closer. That would be awesome. Please give us a report on the highlights. It should be very interesting.

[201er]

Sounds awesome, I'll go if I'm available then. A little too far out to know for sure. Please remind me closer to? I'll also coordinate with NJMP and see if anyone else wants to come. Sounds really interesting.

 

  The MCPA will provide free Beer to all pilots over 21 attending.

You can't be serious?? To pilots??

[Seth]

  The MCPA will provide free Beer to all pilots over 21 attending.

[Seth]

Alright - recreating the posts that disappeared.

 

NJ Mooney pilots are planning to attend and I'm working to get a fuel discount of some sort for those pilots who plan to come down.  Mike - I'll fly earlier in the day or pull my airplane over to the transient ramp so we can all be there lined up for pictures. 

 

Most likely, they'll give us self serve fuel pricing for full service fuel so we don't wind up with a line at the self serve pump on departure (and then we'll have less engine starts and stops).

 

If you have an questions on how to fly into the SFRA on an SFRA VFR flight plan, ask away - very simple - similar to a bravo clearance, but not quite the same.  NEVER squak 1200 inside the SFRA, even after you have the field in sight and your frequency change is approved. 

 

Who is the pilot who flew with the Col before?  I want to make sure to tell him you say hello and about the Grumman Tiger and Robinson helicopter.

 

I know to expect Mike a bit before noon.  Mike - I'll PM you my cell phone number.

 

Take care,

 

-Seth

[201er]

Well the snow already stopped so it looks promising. I'm still gonna try to get there by noon unless the remaining snow keeps me too busy.