LadiesLoveTaildraggers

To Gayle,

I am in awe of your passion and determination to learn to fly IN A TAILDRAGGER…. nothing else, no way, no how…. only a TAILDRAGGER would do! You have my ultimate respect for turning your dream into a reality. Congratulations on your 1st solo and all my best to you as you build hours and get that long awaited PPL.  Judy

Gayle Crowder

I live in Madison, NC and my home airport is Shiloh (KSIF) Rockingham County Airport. In October 2010 I met a 1941 Taylorcraft taildragger and went on my first General Aviation airplane ride. I was instantly and irrevocably in love! My lifelong endearment with airplanes and my fascination with history and antiques immediately overlapped when I met that Taylorcraft. I never knew “regular people” could own and fly an airplane. What an awakening! I knew I had to fly….and I knew I had to learn in a taildragger. Nothing else would suit me. Thus began my aviation journey.

THE T-craft!

I wanted to make sure I could pass the FAA written exam before I spent money on flying lessons. I started by taking online courses offered free through AOPA, then attended a 2-day ground school class. Two days later, I passed the written on the first try with a score of 93. I was ecstatic…passing that exam meant it was time to learn the “fun stuff”.

First solo takeoff. Never felt so great in my life as when my wheels lifted off the runway and I knew it was all up to me!

Months went by as I searched in vain for a CFI who could take me start to finish in a tailwheel aircraft. I joined LadiesLoveTaildraggers.com (LLT) and met some wonderful people, who introduced me to more people, all of whom began scouring the state and, indeed, the entire East Coast, trying to find that elusive Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). We had no luck at all.  Because of people I met through LLT, I joined the Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA)  and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). I went to the VAA Chapter 3 Spring Fly-In and was introduced to a fellow who owned a 1947 Aeronca L-16A. We were each planning to attend an airplane poker run a couple of weeks later. He was going to be there giving short flight lessons and said he’d take me up and let me “have at it.” He was true to his word, and it was wonderful! I loved that L-16A and I wanted to learn to fly in it so much I could hardly stand it. And his plane happened to be hangared at the airport right by my house. It couldn’t have been more perfect…

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I waited, waited, finally got my first logbook hour after flying a shiny new Liberty XL-2 and felt like a traitor to my own cause. I
decided not to give up on getting my tailwheel flight instructor. There were insurance issues to work out regarding a student pilot
flying a tailwheel aircraft at the point of solo. So, I continued to wait and wish and hope, and my frustration level was off the chart.
Then…I received an email from the L-16A CFI saying he had it all worked out and I could fly his plane from start of training to finish.
That was a wonderful day! I was, at last, on my way to learning to fly “the old way.”  That email was better than any gift I have ever
received.

After 1st Solo!!

And thus my long, aimless journey finally had a destination. Flying lessons commenced and I was forever changed. My CFI is just awesome and has more patience than I knew a person could possess. We’ve had to battle bad weather, conflicting schedules, annual inspections, etc. and just fly when we have the opportunity. I am on top of the world now…..on December 14, 2011, I did my first solo flight, 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop in the L-16A taildragger, a dream come true.  It was a real boost to my confidence and I can’t wait to climb back into that lovely yellow plane next week and continue on this amazing journey.

Gayle Crowder

All those who have soloed, and those who anxiously await the memorable day, will enjoy reading Barbara Kirmsse’s 1st solo account. Thanks Barbara for all the wonderful pictures and description of your 1st solo flight!!

Tail Up and Ready to Take Off

December 7th has a new meaning to me as well as reminding me of the enormous impact that the bombing of Pearl Harbor had on our nation! 12-7-11 is the day of my very first solo flight! This day can never be duplicated. Making it even sweeter is the fact that I soloed in a tail dragger…..an Aeronca Champ 7GC!

Lifting into Solo Flight for the 1st Time!

When I woke up on the morning of December 7th to sunshine and little wind….I knew this was the day! I was so excited and full of anticipation……and so ready! I wanted to do this. My instructor, Walt, met me at Flabob Airport at 11:00 A.M. With Walt in the back seat, I warmed up with five pretty nice take offs and landings. The time had come….Walt gave me one last instruction……..let him off at the end of the runway and to “HAVE FUN!”

Walt, Are You Back There?

When he exited the Champ and closed the door it was so quiet I could hear my own heart pounding! It was then that I realized that I wasn’t alone…that God was my copilot and Walt had thoroughly prepared me for this moment. I calmed down and concentrated on the task at hand. My Bill was there at the airport but tried to stay hidden so I wouldn’t be distracted. Are you kidding!!?!?!!…..I saw his truck behind those airplanes!!!! I was so happy he was there and….I was focused!!! The scene was set! ……Lights, Camera, Action!

Way Up High, Up In The Sky!

I announced “Flabob Traffic, Champ 9872Yanky, Departing Runway 24, Student Pilot…first solo flight, Flabob Traffic”!!!! Then I was on my way rolling down the runway, dancing on the rudders, rotating into solo flight. What an exhilarating feeling as the wind caught my wings and lifted my little Champ into the air! Everything went extremely well and as planned. I was amazed at the courtesy and encouragement the other pilots in the area gave me during my three solo take offs and landings. “Take your time, Champ” and “Whew Who” were some of the in flight acknowledgements.

First Solo Landing

It was on my way home from the airport that day that I called my dad and mom. They intuitively knew by the tone of my “Hello” that I had successfully accomplished my first solo! They were so excited and happy for me….gushing with loving congratulations! I had to laugh when I remembered the day I told my mom that I was almost ready to solo. She immediately said… “Well, your instructor will still be in the back seat, won’t he?” She wasn’t too happy with my answer!

Aaaah!!! The Autographed Tee Shirt!

My day was even more special due to the support of all my airport buddies who were there to take pictures and to cheer me on! They all helped to make this one of my most memorable days ever!

Barbara Kirsmme

Kansas City Area Vintage Fly-in

VAA Chapter 16

Location:  K34

June 22nd and 23rd 2012

Come join us for a Good “old fashioned” fly-in.

Grass Strip, the smell of burgers, you know the rest!

Friday evening Pot Luck dinner and movie on the field.

Saturday: Breakfast 8:00-10:00 (pilots flying in eat free)

Lunch available on field

http://www.vaa16.com/Fly-In.html

Contact Kevin Pratt  kpratt@vaa16.com

FIRST SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE

LADIES LOVE TAILDRAGGERS & FRIENDS FLY-IN

 June 1st – 3rd, 2012

Early Arrivals May 31st

Savannah-Hardin County Airport

Identifier: KSNH

 A weekend of FUN & Flyin’!!

A special invitation to ALL women pilots, tricycle or tailwheel, to join us for a weekend of flying and fun! Guys are welcome to fly in but priority parking and camping reserved for women who fly in.

*Poker Run Friday

*Camp with your taildragger

*Group lodging at Pickwick Landing State Park Inn

*Door Prizes

*Saturday Night Hangar Party

*And lots more!

Come  meet Montille Warren, the woman who’s been the powerhouse behind this airport for the last 30 years!

Make your hotel reservation now! Call Pickwick Landing State Park Inn at 800-250-8615 and ask for Ladies Love Taildraggers block of rooms. Two Queen size beds per room and all rooms have a beautiful water view. Room Rate $75 Thursday & $82 Friday & Saturday! We blocked most of the remaining available rooms so you must ask for our group. This block can only be held till April 15. Reservations can be canceled up to 48 hours before arrival.

I’d like to introduce you to college student Alicia Brenhag and her dad Jeff Brenhag, and welcome them to Ladies Love Taildraggers. You’ll realize as you read the following comments that it was Jeff who sent in the info about his daughter Alicia who is not yet a pilot. Jeff  flies out of Winsted (10D) & Hutchinson (KHCD) in Minnesota and is passionate about aviation and anxious to pass that love on to his daughter. 

From Jeff: I went to the link and filled in what I could for her. I’m hoping this will help inspire her and show her many of the facets of aviation available for young adults and women.

Aria,the hot air balloon!

This is my daughter Alicia who is presently a sophomore at the University of Minnesota. I have been flying since I was 14 and have been slowly introducing her to the amazing world of aviation so as not to scare her away. My friend Marv took her flying in his Champ which he’s been flying for 39 years.

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When she’s not so busy at school maybe I can get her to slow down and obtain her license. She’s an accomplished scuba diver at present and I think the hot-air balloon and sailplane should be next.

Alicia in Grob 102

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I’m hoping this website will inspire her more and that she will see other ladies doing what they love and that aviation is a passion and a hobby just as much as it is a career choice.

Thanks sooooooo much!

Jeff Brenhaug

Abby Johnson is based at NY50, Johnson Airport, Perth, New York.

This is the only pic I have with my husband Chris & the L-16A we are restoring

Hi!  My name is Abby Johnson, I’m a 29 years old and from upstate NY who is learning to fly.  My husband has been a pilot for 20+ years and we have a Meyers OTW, Piper Arrow and newest and greatest L-16A! We have re-done the L-16A together and that is what I will continue and finish my instruction in.

L16A, a work in process

I am also in PA school and have a 2-month old, so my progress is slow on my license…hoping to get it finished next fall.  The plane is almost completed now and has the old military paint scheme.

We rib-stitched both wings on this plane and this was taken after they were finished!

There are so few women pilots and this website is an inspiration!  Keep rocking the skies ladies!!!

Thanks for such a great website/community!
Abby Johnson

Just in from Laura Mayer…

“It’s High Time I sent an Update! Just saw the Christmas video and loved it!”

A happy Laura with Skywagon N11DH!

Laura flies the family 1978 Cessna 180K Skywagon  purchased in 2010.

“I passed my IFR check ride in August. Yippee!!”

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And from July 2009…..

Laura Mayer with her 1953 Cessna 170B

I started flying lessons at the age of 48 and got bitten by the aviation bug with the tenacity of a tick. My love affair with flying began with a J3 Piper Cub. I still remember laughing uncontrollably when I did my first S-turns on the taxiway. Learning to fly was a hard won lesson for me; discouragement almost triumphed, but desire and my not too scant stubbornness prevailed. I finally soloed on June 3, 2007. When I abandoned the plan of getting a Light Sport rating and decided to go for my Private Pilot, I reluctantly switched to a Cessna 152.

Once I got my ticket, I set my sights on purchasing my very own 152, despite the fact that my husband and I already owned a plane. When Bob (who is an IA) first decided to purchase an airplane, he did extensive research, more methodical than I initially realized. And the plane he finally settled on as his fervent desire was a tailwheel, a 1953 Cessna 170B. Initially, I had no plans whatsoever to fly that plane. Probably because it almost cost our marriage with its demand of money, sweat, and tears!! But once I got my tail wheel endorsement , 49A transitioned rapidly from being a financial albatross to being my most cherished passion in life.

I’m certain I speak for all the women on the site when I talk about flying. Flying is my passion, my release, the purpose of my life. The world could be falling down around me, but once I hear “cleared for takeoff,” I am the happiest person in the world and pure joy reigns. We live in beautiful New England and places like Montauk, Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and Newport are a scant hour or two away.

OK, so it's not mine, but it was the BEST Christmas/Anniversary/Birthday present I EVER got!

Laura &  her husband own a 1953 170B, N3149A, upgraded with a Lycoming 180, constant speed prop & STOL package.  Laura is based at DXR (Danbury Municipal Airport, Danbury, CT).

Laura says “Ladies and taildraggers – PERFECT together!!”

Melissa Abner is based at her family’s private strip, Pleasant View, Tennessee.

Melissa Abner

Hello fellow lady taildraggers! I am so happy to find this website! How FUN!

1946 Taylorcraft with my daughter

I obtained my private pilot license in 1999 and enjoyed lots of cross country flying in our C-172. Later, in 2003, I fell in LOVE with flying my 1946 Taylorcraft. One of my favorite passengers is my 10 year old daughter, Callie, who really enjoys flying to visit her cousins in IN and the thrill of light acrobatics!

Take off from our grass strip in TN

I keep ole “Grace” at our private strip on our family farm in Pleasant View, TN. It may not be a perfect grass strip; but, it’s good enough for me!

Before takeoff to visit cousins in IN

I just LOVE being in the sky. That love affair began when I started skydiving in 1993 and haven’t quit yet! I’ve jumped out of many different types of aircraft….everything from a C-130, 737, DC-9, Casa, Otter, Glider to a hot air balloon.

Loving the sky! My favorite place to be!

I look forward to meeting other lady pilots…..a rare breed around these parts! I see you are holding a fly-in in TN soon! I look forward to meeting you all then!

Always enjoy $100 hamburger trips with my father-in-law, Roy, who inspired me to fly.

THANK YOU!

Melissa Abner

Sandy Newfang and Cessna 150 Aerobat taildragger conversion.

I’ve been a private pilot since 2003 and earned my seaplane rating in April 2010.  I’m relatively new to dragging my tail.  My husband & I have a nosedragger and a taildragger; our taildragger ”Sassy” is a Cessna A150M with the Bush conversion. We also own and fly a Cessna 150D (nose dragger) “LuluBelle”.  I grew up with taildraggers.  My father was a habitual builder of experimental aircraft.  It was gyrocopters in my early childhood,  fixed wing ultralights in my teens, and eventually RV series aircraft.  He currently has an RV4 and RV8. Looking forward to getting to know the group!

You may remember Sandy from the “I’m just a Girl!” video posted last year.  Sandy and Catherine Cavagnaro created this incredibly funny video spoof on women pilots. If you haven’t seen it yet don’t miss it!! And by the way, we need you on Ladies Love Taildraggers Catherine!!

Brenda Kroening is based at KRST, Rochester Intl., Minnesota & KRNH, New Richmond Regional Airport, Wisconsin.

Brenda Kroening

Hello everyone! I’m a newbie TW aviator and recently bought a 1956 Super Cub, which I have LOVED flying!

"Bonding with my Super Cub"

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Sandy Krier, Catherine  Cavagnaro and I are best friends in the Cessna 150-152 Club….. J All lady taildraggers!

Brenda Kroening , Catherine Cavagnaro and Sandy Krier

I have met a few LLT members and look forward to meeting many more of you.

Cheers,

Brenda Kroening