Winter Haven National flyin
2007

2007 was the year of The Chill at our Winter Haven flyin. We've had heat, wind, rain and several beautiful days, but this was the coldest day we've seen yet.

We bucked up, put on our jackets and got started with a walkaround, and before we had gone couple of airplanes we all felt pretty good!

While all these airplanes were arriving Paul and I ran over to the Sun 'n Fun site for a little project.

With a little good planning and a little luck, we were on hand when the Catch a Cardinal arrived at its designated display area. We pitched in as we could, although the team had a good handle on getting this airplane off the trailer and put together.

The wings actually arrived by DC-3 and were put on a little later.

While Julie and the AOPA CAC team worked on their display area into the night and the next day, we headed back to Winter Haven for the CFO event.

Bad weather up north was a also a factor this year, and many people left their Cardinals at home or part way and arrived by rental car. So while the airplane count was down, the people count was up! We were glad they all made it!

As usual the event started with a reception at Faye and Palmer's house. Ever the gracious guests, we again filled their home and ate everything put in front of us.

It is always good to catch up with folks we have not seen for a while.

After a good nights sleep we're back at the airport, checking out who brought what and what we could learn from it.

As usual the number of very nice Cardinals was amazing, and as often happens there were things to learn that none of us expected.

At the far right, one of our group stayed actively engaged holding down the double yellow lines. This photogenic little cherub generated more photographs than the nicest airplane in the place.

Lunch time rolled around eventually, we again enjoyed the excellent BBQ that we've had in years past.

As you can see in the pictures, it wasn't anything like warm just yet.

Once everyone had that look of contentment on their faces we started the afternoon program.

First up was Julie Boatman and Dan Gryder, who filled us in on the Catch a Cardinal progress.

It had been a hard couple of days and they were looking a little tired, but they gamely answered questions and encouraged us all to visit them at the Sun 'n Fun show.

Our next guest was Jack Pelton, President and CEO of Cessna. He heard that the Cardinal folks were getting together at Winter Haven and kindly stopped by to see what we were up to.

Jack said a few words about his past experiences with Cardinals and with aviation.

Then he went into some detail about how the Cardinal was the last single engine airplane that Cessna had built before the very recent Next Gen Piston aircraft that they are currently working on.

There were several references to the history of the Cardinal and how what was learned there flowed across the years into the planning for the future of Cessna.

After the lunchtime program we returned to the field where Jack wandered and enjoyed the well-kept products of Cessna from 30 plus years ago.

After cleaning up we all met again at the Sea Flame restaurant to continue our event indoors.

As the pictures below show, we had a good time with a large and happy group.

There were awards!

Several people had quite a bit of trouble coming down from the North East due to weather. As a result we awarded a spontaneous 'Perseverance' award for the person who the crowd agreed had the most compelling hard luck story.

The Perseverance award was won by Phil Fisher. I don't recall his story, but it was a doozy!

To the right, the Flew Furthest award was won by John and MaryAnna Palmer from Oxford, Maine.

Phil Fisher also won the Fledgling Award for having his Cardinal for the least period of time. Guess it was his lucky day!

And the grand prize, the People's Choice Nicest Cardinal, was won by Dick Dagle! Congratulations, Dick, on the recognition and a very nice airplane!

After our days at Winter Haven we were primed to get into the flow of Sun 'n Fun.

CFO was included in many of the activities at the AOPA CAC display, including some open mike sessions with representatives of Cessna.

As the picture to the far right shows, Julie was in the CFO spirit and made good use of the hat that Debbie handed her shortly after the picture to the right. I think that Debbie got an AOPA hat as a result. :-)

The pictures below are of us and the Cessna folks discussing Cardinals with the crowd at the AOPA tent later in the week.

A special thanks again to Palmer and Faye Gehring, who continue to make this event possible with their hard work and good taste.

A special thanks as well to the many volunteers who pitched in to park airplanes and generally help make the event a success. Year after year we count on some very special people who continue to contribute of their time and energy, and it is much appreciated.

Several things follow below: First, a chance to leave both public and private feedback on this event. Secondly, pictures of the aircraft in attendance, and finally the list of people who signed up to attend.

Keith Peterson
CFO Webmaster

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