Friday, October 28, 2016

Trenton Flyers Lunch in Sandersville, GA


The following Friday was a beautiful cloudless day and I had an invite to go to lunch in Sandersville, GA with the Trenton Flyers. For part of the flight, most of the group was in the air together and I listened to the radio chatter. Aviation is neat in that you can be alone in your aircraft and yet still enjoy the company of your friends who aren't even within your visual range.
Crossing the Savannah River
The scenery on the way to Sandersville was much more interesting than going to Greenville. The route crosses the Savannah River, which divides South Carolina and Georgia. Then it skirts Augusta, GA before getting into quarry country. The airport near Sandersville is called Kaolin Field (KOKZ). This name comes from the  Kaolin clay and the company there that processes it. This clay is very white and is used in many products from cosmetics and bath products to paper. The old quarries have the same square corners and bright water as the stone quarries I am used to seeing, but the water isn't clear.
Kaolin clay quarries

Kaolin airport with the factory in the back
When I arrived, there was already a decent crowd there. Turns out that in this crowd I am definitely not the fast one! The Trenton Flyers group has an interesting line up of airplanes, which includes another Aeronca (TAC)! The line-up also included an RV-12, Stearman, Tecnam and the newest addition to the Trenton Flyers fleet, a Socata Tampico.
Aircraft line-up (prior to Stearman arrival)

Aeronca 65-TAC

Billy, the Trenton Flyers' Social Director had arranged in advance with the FBO for crew cars to take all of us to the restaurant in town. It is a nice little town. The restaurant was right in the town square which seemed like it had quite a bit of parking, yet everything seemed to be full. The restaurant was a buffet and it was bustling. We managed to snag two tables together though and enjoy a nice meal. The Trenton Flyers are extremely friendly and welcoming. They also have tons of interesting stories to tell!
The restaurant in Sandersville
After lunch, one flyer had an issue with the key for the airplane. It had broken during shut down and he had gone to the local hardware store to get a new one made. Unfortunately, upon his return to the airport, it was discovered that the new key didn't work. Several of us waited around, ready to offer seats home should they be needed. Fortunately, one more trip to the hardware store and he had a working copy. After that, the flight back was uneventful, but the weather was still nice and it was quite pleasant. It was another wonderful fall flying adventure!
Arriving back at Trenton


No comments:

Post a Comment