Dear Tribe,

           The Kitty Hawk fly-in was attended by 28 Comanche enthusiasts and enjoyed by all. There was some bad weather throughout the Southeastern US for the weekend and prevented some members from attending. Many were able to come. We were able to carry out the full agenda with very few weather disruptions. Many members were first time attendees and we are always glad to welcome new faces.

           A special thanks to Jim and Barbara Bradley, who live in Kitty Hawk. Jim provided his insight as to which restaurant we should dine at each meal. The food was so good that I think we should have a yearly fly-in there just to enjoy the seafood. Jim and Barbara also graciously invited all attendees to their home for cocktails. What a wonderful home and cordial hospitality. This is what Comanche spirit is all about.

           Saturday we all enjoyed the Wright Bros. Memorial and saw first hand where aviation had its beginning. I personally developed a deep respect for the perseverance of the Wright Bros. and their ability to carry on against the elements and conditions without government funding. They truly were scientific pioneers. What I found most interesting was to compare the meager distance that the first flight went and then to see how each subsequent flight was a little longer until the fourth flight which was four times longer than the third flight. It was something akin to baby steps leading to giant steps. If they only could have known what the state of aviation would be in 2003.

           I am including a message from Sue Bodley who with David attended from Miami, Fla. in their Comanche 250.

Hi Skip,

 Kitty Hawk was a great trip....... what memories we will have. It is always terrific getting together with other comanche pilots.  Thanks to you and Dotty for all your hard work and planning.

I have posted some of the pictures from our  camera and the ones Art (

thanks, Art) sent to me on the internet at:

http://bodley.net/southeasttribe/photoalbums.htm.

I have also attached a few of the pictures of your plane with Memorial in background. I only had one good picture of Art's plane and I posted that one on the internet.

Thanks,

Sue

           Thanks also to Art Freyberg for supplying pictures from Kitty Hawk.