RivetBangers.com

Wayne Handley put on an unusual attitude recovery presentation for EAA Chapter 90 today in Oakdale. It's a quick trip for him since he's moved to Pine Mountain Lake which is only about 15 minutes by RV or Extra in this case. Wayne is a really nice guy, no ego at all, very personable. He told us some of his old Navy stories, some things he's learned along the way, and showed us a video of some of his more spectacular crashes; including a flight into a box canyon that did not go well for him. All this to help us learn from his mistakes.

After the hangar session a few lucky and brave souls ponied up some money to go for a flight with Wayne in his Extra that Larry Ellison gave him. BEAUTIFUL plane. It's painted in Blue Angel colors and the paint is incredible. He teaches you loops, rolls, a few spin entries, and then he says "Okay, we're done, NOW what do you want to do. Don't be bashful, I can get us out of anything you can get us into." No ego there, just fact. One young man asked for a Lomchavak (sp?) and swore he'd never ask for that again. Another guy told Wayne he'd seen his airshow routine for years and just wanted to go through that because he'd always wondered what it was like. There were only a few barfers and they all got it into the bag.

All in all a great day. Oh, and no, I did NOT go up. Not enough money, and not enough guts.

I met Wayne a couple years back at his private strip outside of King City(?). Definately a very nice guy, and I hope to be able to take his course in my plane when it's done

Yes, that the strip he just sold. He's retired up at Pine Mountain Lake. Very nice fly-in community with a great breakfast-lunch cafe on the field.