Lost In Oscar Hotel

By Amy Beitzel

Does all this talk about getting lost in the heavens fill you with wanderlust? Are you itching to take flight yourself? Curious about what it takes to become a pilot? Do you want an up close look at aircraft — and the people who fly them? Do you know a child who wants to soar as a “Young Eagle?”

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to visit International Learn to Fly Day, hosted by EAA Chapter 1252, Saturday May 19th from 9-4! The event is free to the public and will be held at the Lorain County Regional Airport.

Learn about building and flying planes, meet with area flight schools, purchase a discovery flight for yourself, or receive free flights for 8-17 year olds! Listen to live music, browse a variety of vendors, and explore commercial and military aircraft!

By Amy Beitzel

L-R: Joe Murray, Vicki Koziol, Paul Koziol

As a new intern on the Lost in Oscar Hotel project, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the world of general aviation.

My first introduction came on March 6, when I accompanied professor and pilot Joe Murray to a presentation at EAA Chapter 1252, in Columbia Station. Prior to this evening, I had never heard of the EAA (or Columbia Station, for that matter).

The meeting was held at a VFW hall, and while driving blindly into a setting sun, balancing a Google map on my lap, I instinctively made a right at the first banner announcing a fish fry. My instinct paid off, and although gaining entrance into the building proved tricky, once inside, chapter leader Paul Koziol and his wife Vicki were incredibly gracious and welcoming.

Before my introduction to the EAA and the members of Chapter 1252, I, like many, assumed that an individual that pursued aviation as a hobby had a certain level of access and privilege. This assumption was quickly replaced by a new understanding – to be an aviation enthusiast, all you really need is a passion for flight.

The Koziols and the Columbia Station EAA members impressed me with their dedication not just to each other, but also to their community. Theirs is not an exclusive club, and they make a point to reach out to the public and share their love of flying, while encouraging and fostering young enthusiasts.

In a fast-paced, achievement driven world, the individuals of EAA 1252 bring back the joy and sense of adventure that should accompany reaching for the heavens. And when Paul Koziol tells me that I too can learn how to fly, I believe him.

This is the projected route for the ground crew to the eight overnight stops.  May change at the last minute due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

You can now download a color Free Airport Flyer to print for your airport’s public bulletin boards.

Our Kickstarter site has launched!  Help write the book, produce the documentary and set a new world record. Partner with us on Kickstarter.  All or nothing by flight day on May 13!  Receive some cool rewards like t-shirts, photos, lunch and dinner with the pilots and crew–and for some really special sponsors–a flight in the J3 or Wright-B Flyer in Dayton.

Here is a quick summary of a few new things that are in the works.  When confirmed, we’ll add these to the daily flight log.

1.  AOPA is considering sending an editor/photographer to join us on the flight.

2. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is planning to send one of its pilots/aircraft to join us for a send-off from Kent, 1G3.

3. Pilots of several RVs, a Cub and a Trinidad are planning to join us for some legs and our landing at Medina, 1G5.

4. The folks at Wright-B Flyer Museum are discussing plans for a pancake fly-in for our arrival at Wright Brothers Airport.

5. EAA chapters are planning fly-ins and events at Coshocton and New Philadelphia.

6. Ohio Bush Planes is planning a fly-in and event with us at Graham Field.

Thanks to Paul Koziol and members of Columbia Station’s EAA Chapter 1252.  Thanks to Gary Baker and members of Wadsworth EAA Chapter 846.  We had presentations at both places recently, met some terrific folks and made some new friends at each event.   EAA support has been amazing!  Will look forward to seeing you all again.

The Flight Sponsor  T-shirts  will arrive on Feb. 6th.  They are starting to fly out of here–thanks to all who have ordered and entered the drawing!   We’ll start shipping on the 7th.  Watch the blog for an update.

Check out our newest sponsor: 360 Mobility Solutions, LLC.  We will be doing a little in-flight testing of their amazing Sleeve 360 –a wearable rotating iPad 2 case.  It gets pretty windy in the J3 cockpit with the door and window open–so we are hoping this innovative holder will prevent the iPad 2 from taking an unplanned EVA (Extra Vehicular Activity) along the route.  Watch the blog for a review and some video of the pilots using it on the flight.

For every T-shirt order  you will receive two free entries into the drawing to win a $395 B-15 Flight Jacket from U.S. Wings!  Click here for more details.