Ranger Airfield Fly-In 2014

Jared sure knows how to throw a party. In years past, the weather has kept many people away, but this year it was beautiful. He got an awesome turnout and I was happy to be there snapping photos. One of these days I'm going to hang up the camera and just enjoy the event... well, maybe not anytime soon! Hope you enjoy and join us next year!

Jack "Can Still Taste the Dirt" Fleetwood

2014

Another year is quickly wrapping up. Overall, I think this was a good one. I got to spend a lot of time hanging out with flying friends, going to fly-ins, etc. I'm not the best at anything I do, but I can tell you I have the best friends! In aviation, we all know there are risks. Some great conversations I had with friends this year would end up being our last. We lost some great pilots to accidents and to cancer. The world doesn't quite seem the same without them. They say only the good die young, and this year we lost some friends I'll honestly say the world was better off with them in it... maybe they were needed elsewhere, maybe someday we'll know. I hope you guys are in skies with no turbulence, no clouds, or landing in beautiful canyons on a river where no plane has dared to land before. As usual, I'm behind on the Blog. I post a lot on the 120/140 Forums . Here's to another good year, I promise I'll think about trying harder on the blog... it's the best I can offer! Jack Happy-New-Year Fleetwood

Scott Atkin Hughes

Last week we lost a good friend.  I met Scott through the BARF club.  He was always on.  He always had a smile on his face and a love for life.  From the beginning, he told me he knew he wouldn't have a long life, but in that short life, he sure lived every minute.  Even when facing cancer and going through chemo, he was posting selfies on Facebook!

This morning, as I was trying to think of something to write about Scott, I remembered one of his posts.  Why would I try to write something when Scott said it better than I ever could?  Farewell my friend, it won't be the same without you.  I have tears in my eyes as I look at the photo of you waving...

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From Scott's Facebook page:

I can't believe it's been 5 years since my double lung transplant. I am so glad "Bubba", my donor, signed the donor card in Oklahoma. Thinking back over the last 5 years Lisa, Bubba and I have put a lifetime into those years. Playing in the jungles of Panama, climbing the castles of Scotland, getting to know the Asian culture in South Korea or traveling the entire country from Ocean to Ocean has been just awesome.

But what stands out for me is waking up next to Lisa everyday, Lisa getting baptized, watching grand babies grow, watching my sons turn into men. Wow, I would have missed a lot if it weren't for my donor Bubba. Thanks Bubba
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When I had my camera out, Scott was always ready to pose.  One minute he'd be flying next to me, the next he'd be spiriling down! 

They say the dash between your dates is your life.  Scott's life deserves a few dashes! 

February 13, 1953 ----- September 29, 2014

 

Another Texas Cessna 120-140 Fly-In at Fort Parker has come and gone and if you weren't there, you missed a great one.  The weather spooked a few pilots, but we got a good turnout and ended up only getting a few rain drops.  It was an awesome time with great food, pilots, and planes.

I'll try to write more later.  For now I'll get some photos up.

Jack "Going to Bed Early" Fleetwood