7/18/2010 - Pilot’s Mission to Support Gulf Coast A Winner Video
A group of Birmingham area pilot's acted on an idea to make their weekend $100 Hamburger into a mission to support the Gulf Shores economy. In only a few days almost 30 airplanes signed on to make the 180 NM trip from Shelby County airport- EET to Jack Edwards airport -JKA only 3 miles from legendary Alabama beaches.
-Ed Wood and Johnny Barnes head the pre-flight briefing early Saturday morning-
Heading up the business end of trip planning and organization was local pilots Johnny Barnes and the Fun Flyers group. Participating pilots were required to attend a preflight briefing that began about 9:00am Saturday at Shelby County airport. Morning clouds hung low as the scheduled departure time began to slide. A good visual flight day would be necessary for a large gaggle of planes to depart all at once. Ed Wood and Johnny suggested some safety items and provided essential flight information in handouts for all. These organizers in addition handled arrangements for the group to arrive at Jack Edwards.
-Birmingham area pilots and their passengers gather outside the Shelby County airport terminal for the flight to the Gulf Coast-
Anticipation grew as timed passed for the clouds to break. While waiting, a small raffle was held for prizes. An oil change, fuel and discount shopping at the beach donated by area and gulf businesses as enticements to join the flight were awarded. But the objective of this mission was to show support and spend money to help Alabama's Gulf Coast in serious trouble since the oil spill; they really didn't want or need incentives. Being able to help has brought this group of pilots together many times in the past. They have a well documented history of community service and a big heart.
As soon as the official weather indicated: clear to go, the shuffle was on. Aircraft divided into five groups, according to speed; maneuvered to depart in order. The first group with the fastest ground speed was on their way after 10:00am. The mission was on.
Arrival at Gulf Air Center FBO at JKA began around 11:15am. The pilots and passengers were greeted by members of the Parrot Head Fan Club, who welcomed them in fine style. According to one pilot, the final count was 30 aircraft and 70 people. From our President to our Governor, all have said that what the Coast needs is their tourism dollars. That is the idea behind the pilot's mission.
-LuLu's seafood was the local favorite- image courtesy of Dawson Moore
Some members of the group spent the night, enjoying shopping and the beach, while others ate famous seafood from the Alabama coast and returned home. LuLu's Homeport was a very popular spot.
-The Kilgore's at LuLu's Homeport- image courtesy of Dawson Moore
Rick Kilgore, a Shelby County based pilot commented, we all donated our planes, our money for fuel, took friends and spent money on the Gulf. It shows the heart of our aviation community. I think the message was so much more important than the amount of money we could have spent. - B Meyer, FMI: SCAA , Help Our Alabama Coast
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