The CWB group trip to Pima Air & Space Museum and Davis Monthan AFB “Boneyard” was enjoyed by a modest but enthusiastic contingent, including the perfect spring desert weather. Friday started with a tour of the AMARG 309th “Boneyard” at Davis Monthan AFB with over 4400 aircraft from all branches of the service and NASA. Then it was back to the Pima Aior & Space Museum, the largest non-government supported aviation museum with over 300 aircraft and spacecraft covering 80 acres. Saturday began with a tour of the last Titan II Missile site from top to bottom with 8-foot thick silo walls, 3-ton blast doors, and the control center. Then it was off to Davis Monthan AFB for their air show featuring the U-2 and the Thunderbirds. There will be lots of photos to share at the next meeting.

The print version of the November Newsletter contains a misprint: the cover of an older newsletter appears in place of the correct cover, so consult the online version of the newsletter for up to date information. Please note that the December meeting will be at Lunken, and not the HAO club.

Warbird members wanting to go on the Pima Air Museum/Davis Monthan trip should make travel arrangements and then contact Jim Stitt to let him know. (See details in the November 2009 newsletter) There are a limited number of slots available for this trip, so first come, first served. We will keep a running tally of the currently available number of slots right here.

The EAA’s B-17 Aluminum Overcast will make a tour stop in Cincinnati Sept 17-21 at Lunken Airport. Thursday is media day. Friday, Saturday and Sunday there will be rides in the morning and static display in the afternoon. As tour stop hosts, we are obligated to staff the PX concession booth, provide ramp security, and other support. This is one of our major events and we need member support in two ways. First and most importantly, we need your help in selling rides to friends, family, and co-workers in order to support the B-17 and keep it flying. This year the donation for a ride can be paid in 4 monthly payments of $99.75. Reservations are made through the EAA at 800-359-6217. Secondly, we need volunteers to staff the concession booth and ramp security. Please sign up to help at the next meeting.

Excellent video of Oshkosh 2009, courtesy of “Slick”.

I’m saddened to report that member Bob Erbs has passed away. Born June 2, 1924, he died suddenly at his home in Finneytown on April 17, 2009. His loving wife, LouAnn Cole Erbs was at his side. Bob fought a courageous battle with cancer the past 7 months. He is survived by his loving and devoted son Robert S. Erbs and his sweetheart, Julia S. Neal and grandson Robert J. Erbs. He was preceded in death by his daughter Lynn Marie Erbs and his son Roger C. Erbs. Bob was the son of late Ernest “Pappy” Erbs and the late Lillian “Lee” Marie Kern Erbs. Sisters, Patricia Marie Huffman Anderson and Carol Lee Tierney. Bob leaves a host of friends and relatives. Bob proudly served in the Army Air Corp in WWII as a mechanic on B-17s. He was president of Byrnsyde Inc. for over 35 yrs. where he designed, fabricated, installed and serviced full service car wash equipment. Bob and his son were distributors for Ernest Holmes and Challenger wrecker equipment, they installed and delivered wrecker equipment to the local area and major race events such as the Indianapolis 500. Bob worked at the speedway for many years as part of track safety crew. Bob was a 59 year Mason of the Hoffner Masonic Lodge #253. His most passionate interest was car racing, aviation, boating, driving limousines and meeting people. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. At his request, his cremated remains will be cast upon the waters of the Ohio River along his son’s marina. A celebration of life will be held at the Aurora Landing marina 12 noon Saturday April 25, 2009, US 56 Aurora, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tri State Honor Flight, PO Box 531016 Cincinnati 45253 or Indianapolis 500 Old Timers C/O Jack Martin, 45 Woodview Dr. Pittsboro, In. 46167-9503. Condolences may be expressed to the Erbs family at www.thefrederickfuneralhome.com.

Several of our members have expressed an interest in having our own place at an airport where members can meet any time, turn a wrench on a plane now and then, and just be around aircraft and that environment. Since the Squadron doesn’t own an aircraft (and are not permitted by EAA to own one), it did not make sense to pursue buying or renting a hangar. However, an opportunity for the next best thing has presented itself thanks to member Jonathon Hardwick. Jonathon is purchasing a hangar at HAO large enough for their Navion and other aircraft. Adjacent to this hangar is a room approx 25 ft x 25 ft that he has offered to sublet to CWB for only $65/mo. This would be available to any and all members to use for meetings, aircraft projects, storage of CWB items, or just “hanging out” at the airport. After much discussion, the Board voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with Jonathon commencing April 1 to sublet the room (to be known as the CWB HA”O” Club) for a one-year trial period. Details will be available at the next meeting.

Welcome to the new Cincinnati Warbirds online newsletter. Tune in here for the latest news and events. You may still download past and present newsletters in PDF format by following the appropriate links to the right.