Luck would have it that I am slightly ahead of schedule at this point. The Mini Me is on it's way to California and should be there by the 18th. My plan is to head out to L.A. myself on the 23rd. If all goes well with the test flights and we have good weather I may get the flight started a few days earlier than originally planned. There is a good chance of getting started on Saturday or Sunday the 26th or 27th of February.

I am all packed up and have shipped oil to strategic locations along the flight path. There are several volunteers lined up at various locations to help with ground support. Some pilots are making plans to rendezvous with me and fly a few legs of the flight.

Overall, everything has shaped up very well for this flight and I am anxious to get it started. It is wonderful that things are ahead of schedule instead of behind. :) Check back toward the end of the month and we will update from California once we have determined that everything is OK and I am ready to begin.

Have a good one!
Steve Thomas
 

Note from Chris:

Received an email from Steve Feb 21:

Hello Everyone,

I would like to let you know that the American Spirit Flight Across America II is about to get underway. My wife and I just returned from a week of vacation and I am on track for getting started on the big flight ASAP. From here on I am dedicating all of my time and effort toward that end.

Being on vacation I was worried about gaining weight before the flight. I have to admit that I ate like I have not done in years. You know how it is when you are on vacation, especially in a place like Las Vegas. :) I ate at a giant world class buffet every day, and snacked on stuff like 3/4 pound hot dogs! My wife picked up a couple of pounds, but since I have tuned up my body and changed my regular eating habits over the past couple of years, my metabolism seems to have changed. I did not gain any weight at all, and actually LOST 5 POUNDS!!!!! :) Yeah! That will help the climb rate and flight duration.

Looking at the weather outlook for southern California, it is ugly for the next few days. I am heading out anyway on Wednesday if I can catch a flight, and when this latest nasty winter storm passes I will be ready. If it does as forecast, then maybe I can work on the plane and make a test flight on Thursday. I still have to scout out one landing zone unless a certain airport will waive the prohibition on Ultralights, and then the flight can begin. So, if all goes very well I may get the first flight done on Friday or Saturday the 25th or 26th of February. That is a few days earlier than originally planned, so I just wanted to let you know.

Have a good one!
Steve Thomas
 

| Home | Contact |

© 2004 - 2005 AmericanSpiritPPC.com