by N111YX » Sun Oct 28, 2012 6:47 pm
Mike, I won't use the word "bust" but the weather really messed up SERFI 2012. I arrived on Friday afternoon to sunny, calm conditions and very warm temps knowing that a cold front was on the way. It was sort of like OSH on a nice day...too hot to be in a tent.
I met an Onex builder with a RANS S-7 and he gave me a ride. Doors open, low level taildragger fun! I owe him a ride in the Waiex.
At 2AM Saturday morning, the tent began flapping with the arrival of the cold front. It was soon about 50 degrees with 15 mph winds. Sunrise brought a 600 footovercast. Everyone was suddenly wearing winter gear, even gloves! A few Cub-types trickeled in under the scud. The total number of aircraft was maybe 45, 10% of what might be expected with perfect weather.
There were some interesting aircraft there but no other Sonex products but I did meet about four other builders, though.
When the skies slowly lifted to 1200 AGL about 2PM on Saturday, I headed back home. In 30 minutes, I was in the clear. The low marginal VFR continued all the way into Sunday in lower Alabama. Really bad luck for them weather-wise.
The folks that make SERFI happen are very dedicated and really know how to make a fly-in happen. I was very impressed with the hospitality. Too bad that this year was not ideal but I look forward to going next year.
Kip
2010 Waiex 0082 (first flight May 2010)
Jabiru 3300 #1637 and #3035
Dynon D-180
Becker radios
Garmin GDL 82 ADS-B
1175 hours
48 states visited
Based near Atlanta
Also flying a...
2000 Kolb Firestar II, Rotax 503, 575 hours