THREE GALS AND A GUY

On June 10, 11, 12 Frank Donnelly (Dr. D.) performed at the Golden West Air Show and Fly In. Golden West is one of the larger fly in's and air shows on the West Coast. There were numerous home builts, warbirds and antique/classic aircraft as well as venders. An example of unique aircraft was the prototype Beach Staggerwing that was there.

But probably the most unique thing was the makeup of the air show performers. There were four aerobatic performers, Julie Clark, Jacquie Warda, Vicky Benzing and Frank Donnelly. It was unique in that it was three female performers and one male performer. If anything it is usually the other way around, or no females at all. Frank started to call the Show Three Gals and a Guy. He said it sounded like a musical and perhaps they should take it on the road. All four performers got into the spirit as you can see in the photos. 

AOPA’s Quiz Me

Question: During a recent landing at a towered airport, I heard the controller issue the instruction “cleared for the option” as opposed to “cleared to land.” What does the “option” mean?

Answer: The option approach is a type of clearance that allows a variety of actions to occur once the aircraft is near the runway environment. If an aircraft is cleared only to land, and then the pilot elects to go around, the tower controller may be surprised. The option clearance allows the pilot to do a touch and go, low approach, missed approach, stop and go, or a full-stop landing. The pilot may perform any of those five actions without further request or clearance from the tower. Requesting the option when contacting the tower for landing may be beneficial, for instance, if the pilot is not certain that a landing can be assured, or when performing practice instrument approaches that can terminate in a landing or a missed approach at the pilot’s discretion. The option also is a popular tool for flight instructors to use when teaching a student to land, so that a go-around has been authorized prior to landing.

CHECKPOINTS

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