It was November 15, 1944 and the WWII was in full swing.  Towle Flying Service taught future military pilots how to fly at Wausau's Alexander Field (today's Wausau Downtown Airport) 3 1/2 miles from the heart of Wausau .  Towle Flying Service, the FBO at Wausau, could still teach flying, but only to military pilot candidates.  In September of 1944 in Wausau, fifteen young Wausau men are sworn in as Army Air Corps cadet candidates.  The group includes Aaron Baumgardt (current Wausau City Council member) and Larry Towle (son of Archie Towle Sr. and future United Airlines Captain).  About fifty young men and women assemble at the airport every Saturday  to engage in drill and aviation ground training as part of the Civil Air Patrol.  In the '40's during the war, even in Wausau, Wisconsin the focus was on the war effort.  Then on November 15, the war hit even closer to home, even if it was an accident!

     In November 1944, the F4U Corsair was what the Stealth fighter is to us today:  fast, powerful, deadly, and mysterious.  The F4U was a fighter plane which had a distinctive inverted gull-wing design.  It was used by the Navy and flew off their carriers in the Pacific.  "Pappy" Boyington's Marine Black Sheep squadron flew the F4U successfully against the Japanese. 
 

Without a doubt, the Navy's strongest fighter, with it's distinctive inverted gull wing, was the Chance Vought F4U. Designed as a powerful carrier fighter, the early F4us were restricted to land bases because they were difficult to fly aboard ship. But by the end of 1944 Navy and Marine squadrons were safely operating aboard carriers, and Corsairs remained active until after the Korean War. The Corsair was often used in ground-attack excelling in performance and payload. It remained in production longer than any other U.S. fighter of the period and was credited with an 11:1 ratio of kills/losses against the Japanese. Development and pro-duction continued after the war for a total of 12,571 planes.

The following article appeared in the Wausau Record Herald the day after the first unscheduled F4U visit to Wausau.

     A navy fighter plane crashed in an open field near the west end of Rib Mountain, about 400 yards south of the River road in the town of Rib Mountain, last night at 9 o'clock after the pilot had parachuted to safety.
     Mrs. Aaron Miller, town of Stettin, called the Wausau police department at 9:03 o'clock and reported the crash.  Her son, Roger, who was in the chicken coop, heared a low-flying plane and saw the ship, in apparent distress.  He heard the crash and saw flames leap up as the plane apparently exploded.

     The large fighter plane tore a hole five feet deep and about 30 feet long in the field, bounced and exploded, scattering parts over several acres.  the fuselage and tail assembly landed near the highway, about 400 yeards away.  The motor and one wing also were thrown about 400 yards from where the plane hit the ground.
     A fire department crew, under the direction of Chief Arthur Buss, extinguished the flames in the fuselage of the wreckage and searched for bodies, but thought that the pilot had leaped to safety.  They were later notified that the pilot, whose name was not released by navy authorities, was safe.
     The fire department was called by Otto Holtz, town of Rib Mountain, who lives about one-quarter of a mile east of the scene of the crash.  There was considerable confusion following the crash as to the location of the wreckage, but Chief Buss said Holtz gave the department clear directions as to how to get to the scene. 

     The pilot was reported to have been en route from Louisville, Ky., to the naval air base at Glenview, Ill., in company with another pilot and plane, and became lost after getting off their course.
     The other plane was found later this morning at City Point, west of Wisconsin Rapids, according to reports received here.  The pilot was reported safe, although slightly injured.
     Investigating army and navy officers were expected to arrive here late this morning from Truax field, Madison, and Glenview.
     The wreckage was being guarded today by members of the Civil Air Patrol and county traffic department.

by local author and airport historian Robert "Bob" Wylie.  This hard cover 168 page book covers the Wausau area's significant aviation events month-to-month from 1909 to 2000 with fantastic quality photographs on almost every page.  And guess what, you can get a copy at Wausau Flying Service for only $29.95.  Only One Copy Left!!!

     If you think Corsairs are cool and you're looking for something fun and inexpensive to do with your kids, check out Fiddlersgreen by clicking on this picture:

It's just another great way of indulging your love of airplanes, without breaking the bank.  At the same time, it's a great thing to do with the next generation of flyers.

     So next time you're on your way out to the airport to engage your passion, stop by and see this little "piece" of history, have a cup of coffee on us, then get out there and experience one of the greatest things in life:  the art of flight!

     In 2005, we'll being going to a once a month format for "CONTACT!"  Feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and if you know of someone who may be interested in receiving "Contact!", email me at taildraggerflyer@yahoo.com.  CAVU and wishes for safe flight to you all!!!
 
 

• It qualifies for the ground portion of the Wings Program!

• Its free if you participate in the flight portion!

• You'll learn something!
• You'll get to fly our newly upgraded "On Top" PCATD!

• Its fun!

• It could save your life!

     Here's another "Adventure" from 2004 that we decided to bring back for 2005.  WFS CFI Dave Swain will review an actual "VFR into IFR" scenario from the NTSB (it will be a different accident than the one reviewed last year).  We'll paint the picture from start to finish:  pilot experience, airplane, flight conditions, etc.  Now, with our "ON TOP" PCATD flight simulator, we'll put you there.  What would you do, and how would you react under the same circumstances when you only get one chance to get it right?  This clinic will be a great way to learn and it qualifies as the ground portion of the FAA Wings Pilot Proficiency Program.  If you are interested in the clinic, please sign up since we will have materials to hand out and want to make sure we have enough for everyone who attends.
 

"The VFR-Into-IMC Accident" and How To Avoid It Most pilots know the dangers of attempting VFR flight in instrument meteorological conditions. Unfortunately, accident statistics continue to show a large number of VFR-into-IMC accidents — most of them fatal. So it's not enough to simply know that pressing on VFR into worsening weather can be a prescription for disaster.  VFR-only pilots must be prepared to alter course and head for better weather or land  as soon as ceilings or visibilities lower. The ground portion of our clinic will review the procedures which will help you avoid IMC conditions, and will give you the skills to better deal with an inadvertant encounter with low visibilities and ceilings.  Audio, video and our new "On-TOP" PCATD will be used to teach pilots how to fly out of IMC conditions, diversion procedures, how and who to ask for help if you and when you need it. Have you ever been in actual instrument conditions?  If weather conditions permit, you will experience IMC in this part of the program.  The flight portion of the clinic will review (under simulated instrument conditions) maneuvers such as how to turn out of the clouds, how to climb out of IMC, the "trim-up" emergency descent, how to recover from unusual attitudes, diversion techniques and more!  "Whenever safely possible, students will be given the opportunity  to practice these skills in actual instrument conditions!" This course is not designed to give the VFR pilot the confidence to fly VFR-into-IMC.  It is designed to hammer home the point that VFR-into-IMC is a serious mistake and an emergency situation at best!  Pilots who take this course will be better prepared to make the right decisions should they encounter a VFR-into-IMC flight situation.  This course counts as an FAA Safety Program (WINGS).

What:  A course for all  pilots about how to deal with inadvertant flight into instrument conditions! Where:  Wausau Flying Service, Inc. When:  Saturday, March 26th Time:  9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Who:  All Pilots (Instrument & non-instrument) Why:  It will make you a safer pilot! How Much:   $15 for the ground school only.  The ground portion is free to those who fly the 2.5 hour practical  flight portion course!

Sign Up List 1. 2.  3.  4. 5. 6.  7. 8. 9. 10. CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP NOW!

     The security fence has recently been upgraded at the airport.  The fence height has increased to 10 feet.  The second phase of the project will be completed this summer.  This will include installation of fence from the Health Care Center to Radtke Point Park.  Other improvements have included installation of vehicle and pedestrian security gates.  These gates are all card activated.  The cards that you were issued for the previous gate system will not operate the new system.

    Cards will only be issued to airport tenants.   Only those tenants who have been issued a gate card previously may exchange the old card for new cards.  Each tenant will receive 2 cards per hangar.  Multiple aircraft owners and flying clubs will be issued the appropriate number of cards.  Extra cards may be issued at a cost of $20 each. 

     You may exchange your card at Wausau Flying Service, Inc. during business hours (8:00  a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). 

     Our new system will allow these groups access to the gates on a temporary basis.  Please let us know and we can make arrangements for group entry.

     If you have a problem with the new gate system operation or observe any security problems at the airport, please call us right away at 715 845-3400 or email:

     Shortly after the successful launch and return of Rutan's Space Ship One, the EAA Museum hosted a dinner to honor the X-Prize winners.  One of the speakers was Mike Melvill, the first United States Civilian Astronaut who piloted the spacecraft.  Wausau Downtown Airport tenant, Dave Conrad was lucky enough to attend the event and get his picture rubbing shoulders with the history maker.  Congrats Mr. Conrad & Mr. Melville!

     These pictures were emailed to me a couple months ago.  The story I received is that they're from an airport in Sardinia which is an island off the coast of Italy.

     Last year's "Survival Adventure" was one of the funnest and most educational experiences we've ever organized.  This year we wanted to bring it to Wausau.  So we spoke with the guys at the CAMI office at the FAA and initially they said yes.  But, now FAA funding may have thrown a wrench into the whole works.  We're still hoping we will pull it off, so stay tuned and we'll keep you posted.  The cool part:  It qualifies for the FAA Wings Program and the price is right!   IT'S FREE!

"Survival/Altitude Chamber" Adventure This is 2-part Adventure.  The first part is a Basic Survival Training Course.   Part 1:  Have you ever wondered how you would survive after an aircraft accident?  Would you have the skills, or mental strength ensure a positive outcome to this survival situation?  How would you survive the environment, start a fire, signal rescuers? The FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) offers a 1-day post-crash survival course for general aviation flight personnel. It is designed to be an introduction that will provide basic knowledge and skills for coping with various, common survival scenarios. Furthermore, this couse will teach students how to easily assemble and use a personal survival kit. The course examines survival in desert, arctic, and water environments from two points; preflight preparation and the skills needed to endure those extremes. Included in this course is discussion on the psychology of survival, aircraft egress procedures, search and rescue operations, signaling devices and their use, fire starting/building, personal survival kits, rafts and accessories, and helicopter pickup devices. Hands-on practice sessions are conducted, based on device/personnel availability, and may include: a fire starting lab, signaling lab, thermal (cold) chamber, ditching tank, underwater egress trainer, and an aircraft emergency evacuation (smoke) simulator. The principles and techniques taught in this course apply to the survival equipment that can be found or carried onboard most GA aircraft.   Part 2:  What are the effects of hypoxia on your body?  How would you cope with the effects of lack of rest, dehydration?    CAMI offers physiological training for civil aviation pilots, FAA flight crews, and FAA aviation medical examiners at their facilities in Oklahoma City, Okla. In addition to the basic academic contents, this course offers practical demonstrations of  "pilot's vertigo" using a Spatial Disorientation Demonstrator. Normally, the FAA's aviation physiology course is offered to civil aviation pilots at its Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center site in Oklahoma City, but if everything goes O.K. its coming direct to Wausau this April!

What:  Crash Survival Course & Flight Physiology Training Course Where:  Wausau Flying Service, Inc. When:  April 13 - 16 Time:  To Be Announced Who:  All Pilots Why:  It could save your life! How Much:  Free

Sign Up List 1.  2.  3.  4.  5.  6.  7.  8.  9.  10.  11.  12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.  CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP NOW!

     Are you rebuilding a fabric aircraft?  Want to know more about Piper Cubs and their history.  Interested in a locally held 3 day seminar by Clyde Smith Jr. the "Cub Doctor" ?  The "Cub Doctor" rebuilds Piper Cubs and travels throughout the country putting on tube and fabric seminars.  And now he's visiting our area!

"Tailwheel" Clinic This adventure in flying “conventional gear” airplanes is taught by WFS flight instructor, John Chmiel.  The clinic will discuss the art of flying a tailwheel airplane with specific reference to the Champion Citabria. The $49 cost includes 2.5 hours of ground discussion and 1/2 hour of dual flight instruction in our Citabria. Subjects will include:        Rental Rules/FAR's       Insurance       Pilot Experience Requirements        Aircraft Systems (Citabria)        Weight and Balance (Citabria)        Tailwheel Transition Maneuvers        3-point Landing Technique        Wheel Landing Technique  Inexperienced pilots with no tailwheel experience who would like to earn a tailwheel endorsement are encouraged to attend. Also welcome to attend are experienced tailwheel pilots who may want to try out WFS's newest rental, our Champion Citabria 7ECA.   This course counts as an FAA Safety Program (WINGS).  If you take it now you'll get (2) hours of additional dual for free!

What:  Clinic on How to Fly a Taildragger Where:  Wausau Flying Service, Inc. When:  Saturday, May 21st  Time:  9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Why:  Its fun & is qualifies for the ground portion of the Wings Program How Much: Now Only $69, this is regularly a $160 dollar value!

Sign Up List 1. Joe Grassl 2. Ray Wisniewski 3. Paul Kobussen 4. Andy Gille 5. Marcelaine Lewis  6. John Lewis 7. Steve Eiler 8. Jerry Eiler 9. Tom Voelker 10.Art Polnisch 11.  12.  13.  14.  15.  16.  17. 18. 19. 20. CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP NOW!

     The WFS crew has finally come up with the 2005 Adventure Season.  Here's the tentative line up and schedule.  Right now, the events that you see specific dates for are set.  We'll have more info and descriptions of each event in future issues of "Contact!"

     There are three immediate T-hangar openings at Wausau Downtown Airport. 

• T-hangar #7 has a manual door and rents for $90.11 (includes tax) & faces west.
• T-hangar #9 has a manual door and rents for $90.11 (includes tax) & faces west.
• T-hangar #12 has an electric door and rents for $120.12 (includes tax) & faces east. 

CLASSIFIEDS

• "Got some pilot supplies just sitting around gathering dust?  Wanna upgrade your old headset, hand-held radio or GPS?  What should you do with your old one?  We can sell it for you through our consignment program!  You set the price.  We'll display it and advertise it. 
• Want to display your aircraft for sale in "CONTACT!"?  $50 gets you 6 months.  Includes color pictures and spec. list.  We'll include an automatic email link for your ad too.  If you sell your airplane through your "CONTACT!" classified we ask for an additional $50 commission.  "CONTACT!" comes out twice monthly and goes out to 500+ subscribers.  Our subscriber list is growing every day.  Just email us at taildraggerflyer@yahoo.com for details!"

Total Time:  3973 
Engines 0-540-A1D5:    Right Engine:  2521 SMOH/compressions 70+ 
                                        Left Engine:  960/compressions 75+
Props:       95 SPOH
Annual:     10/04 
Fuel Capacity:  198 gallons

Comm #1/Nav #1:  King KX155 w/ glide slope 
Comm #2/Nav #2:  King KX155
ADF:   King KR85
XPDR:  Terra AT50A w/Encoder (last pitot/static/trans. inspection 05/16/2003)
Audio/Marker:  King KMA24 Audio Panel/Marker Rec.
Multi Function Display:  ARGUS 5000 
Loran:  ARNAV PFS5000
Autopilot:  Altimatic (inoperative)
Intercom:  2-place

Special Equipment:  Wing Tip/Trail Strobes, 198 gal Fuel (wing tip mod),  oxygen system (inoperative)

Paint:    1998 stock red/white/black paint scheme “9”
Interior: Brown “4” 
Logbooks:  Available

Call 715 845-3400 or email taildraggerflyer@yahoo.com

PITTS S2A

Factory Built  1974,  973 TTSN  A&E,  2 Place aerobatic,  200 hp. Lycoming,  Inverted fuel & oil,  Hooker Harness,  Narco Nav-com,  Fresh Annual with sale!

Now Only $52,900
Call Glen at 715 571-2121

Pre-Owned Pilot Supplies For Sale

Garmin 195 GPS Map (Handheld GPS) 
comes with yoke mount & case

now only $330!

---

Sporty's Electronic E6B

now only $25!

Total Time:  8657 
Engines:    Right Engine:  0 SMOH 10-520-MB   Left Engine:  142 SFREMAN 10-520-MB
Props:       Right Prop:  Due May 2004     Left Prop:  Due March 2005
Annual:    Due September 2004 
Alt. Static TXP:  Due August 2004 
Fuel Capacity:  Standard
Right/Left Prop Govenors:  SMOH: 0/0
Heater:  SMOH: 758
Current Part 135 Status:  MKE FSDO

Comm #1:  KY196 
Nav #1:  King KCS55/KI-525 Compass H.S.I. System 
Nav #2 / RNAV:  Com ARC RT328T
ADF:   King KR87
XPDR:  Encoder 
Audio/Marker:  ARC 300 Audio Panel/Marker Rec.
Radar:  RCA Sperry Weather Scout II
Autopilot:  400B

Special Equipment:  Wing Tip/Trail Strobes, Air door Seal, Electric Prop Heat, 163 gal Fuel, Blade Antennas, Large Baggage Door, Fire Extinguisher, VC KIT W. 150# Increase Gross, Cleveland Brakes, Bracket Air Filters, Alcojol W/S Ice Plates, Boots- Left Wing:  Good Condition, Right Wing:  Fair

Paint:    White with Brown and Orange “6”
Interior: Brown “6” 
Damage History (Major):  No Known Damage
All Logs:  Available

 Total Time: 6908 
 Engines: 1600 T.B.O. by Western Skyways    L1004/R328
 Props: Left - 629, Right - 728 
 IFR. Certificates: 2254 
 Reweighing Due: September 2003 
 Fuel Capacity: 255 (Long Range) 

 Comm #1: King 900A 
 Comm #1: Garmin 250XL 
 Nav #1: King Gold Crown KNR600/GS KGS681 
 Nav #2 / RNAV: KNS80-IFR Certified GS KGS681 
 ADF: KR85
 XPDR: KT76 
 Audio/Marker: KMA20 
 Radar: Bendix RDR160 
 Autopilot: Bendix FCS810 
 HSI: King KCS55A
 Encoder: Yes 
 RMI: King KI226 
 GPS: Garmin 250XL, Moving Map 
 Intercom: Flight Com 

 Cleveland wheels and brakes 
 Copilot instruments 
 Oxygen system 
 Ground power plug 
 Cabin deck divider 
 Part 135 current
 EGT
 Refreshment center 
 Full de-ice
 Flight hour recorder 
 Heater hour recorder 
 Wing & tail strobes 
 JB air conditioner 
 Courtesy lights 
 Executive tables 
 Engine heaters 
 Tail beacon 
 New main and horizontal boots 

 Paint: White / Tan (8 out of 10) 
 Interior: Light brown cloth (6 out of 10)
 Annual Due: 08/03 
 Damage History (Major): None