TURTLE TIMESIssue #1
Summer 1999Welcome to TURTLE TIMES, a quarterly summary of the activities of the intrepid Saber Tooth Snapping Turtles, with news, articles, products, features and events of interest to Turtle fans everywhere.T-34 AD IMMINENT: The official airplane of the Saber Tooth Snapping Turtles is "Tex", a decommissioned T-34A used by the Air Force as a trainer until 1971, now fully restored complete with Air Force livery. "Tex" is owned by STST "Turtle-in-Chief" Square. Two recent accidents involving T-34s nearly grounded the fleet of over 300 privately-owned T-34 Alphas and Bravos. Instead, the planes are currently only prohibited from aerobatic activity, exceeding 152 knots and 2 G's. A final AD should be issued soon to resolve what needs to be done to restore the fleet to full aerobatic glory. Check t34memos@soltec.net and the AvWeb Weekly Newsletter at www.avweb.com.
STEPPING STONES: The Saber Tooth Snapping Turtles were key sponsors of the Santa Fe Air Show by making possible the appearance of Stepping Stones to Aviation, a popular educational "ride" for children. For two days in June, kids "flew" in a pedal-powered Decathalon, F-14 Tomcat, F-117 Stealth, etc., complete with a tower, runways and radio communication. STST sponsorship allowed kids to enjoy the experience of Stepping Stones at no cost.
MEMORABLE MIRAMAR: "Tex" and a full complement of Turtles were present at the MCAS Miramar Air Show, held August 15 and 16. Turtles: Square, Jet, Stealth and Ragin' introduced over 200 kids to aviation by letting them sit in the cockpit of the T-34A, explaining aircraft basics to each one. Kids in the Cockpit gives kids a hands-on introduction to aviation, tailored to their age and knowledge. Now if the little kids could just get their attention beyond wondering where the firing button is... Turtles also got to sit in the cockpits of several impressive aircraft, including a Canadian T-33 just repainted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Air Force. Little kids in big planes, bigger kids in bigger planes!
TRADER JON'S PRESERVATION SQUADRON BENEFIT: Mid-August, The Floribama was the scene of a laid-back fundraiser for the heroic squadron of 'all of us' trying to save Trader Jon's - the renowned Aviator's Bar in Pensacola, Florida. For more information visit www.traderjons.com.
TAILHOOK TURTLE: Square attended the annual Tailhook '99 convention in Reno on August 19-22 as a civilian member. In addition to being quoted by the New York Times (pdf), Square also networked with potential corporate sponsors, partied with lots of active-duty friends, and generally promoted the Saber Tooth Snapping Turtles' aviation education mission to the Naval Aviation community present.
MARINE CORPS AVIATION ASSOCIATION: Pensacola was again host to the 28th annual symposium of the USMC Aviation Association, and civilian pilot and STST Square attended to further expand awareness of our programs.
"Honest Officer, I could have sworn my Machmeter never went above 0.9."
SANTA FE STOPOVER: The STST hometown municipal airport will have a new rest area when Zia/Executive Aviation's new building is completed in November. The Turtles have volunteered to furnish and decorate the pilot's lounge. It will be "dedicated to all United States Military pilots and aircrew - past, present and future - especially to those who have sacrificed their lives in defense of our country." If you intend to RON in Santa Fe, give us a head's up - the "big H" in VH-85 does stand for HOSPITALITY, after all... 505.988.3839 / 690.4626.
SAF
- Field Elevation: 6340' Runway 2/20: 8000'
- Restaurant & Avionics Shop on field
Contract Fuel:
Zia/Executive Aviation 505.471.2700
- Jet A & 100LL
- High-pressure Oxygen service
- GPU
- Repair Station
- Hangar space available
- Courtesy van
- Hotel & Rental Car booking service
LOOK TO THE FUTURE: STST will be at ICAS in Nashville, December 1-5, 1999. Fly in to Santa Fe's First Annual Aviation Winterfest, Sunday afternoon, December 12... we'll have planes, pilots, and holiday cheer - entertainment by our local JROTC and Civil Air Patrol Cadets, representatives of all branches of the military, as well as the State Police, Customs and the Guard. Come ask the questions you've always wanted to ask about Aviation!
TALK TO A TURTLE is being revamped - look for specific pilots and aircrew to address your future questions too!
PACK YOUR CARAPACE will soon offer special Turtle products for sale, including STICKERS, PATCHES, SILVER WINGS, WHISTLES, and more.
TURTLEARIOUS: Checking into the Chow Tent at MCAS Miramar, Square & Jet were questioned about how one might go about obtaining one of our 'killer' Snapping Turtle patches. When Square bestowed two upon the BDU-clad young man he was so excited that he offered a gift in return: "We're ATC (in the Control Tower)... we'll give you whatever you want... we'll give you - UNRESTRICTED CLIMB!" As a smile slowly came to Square's face, she asked him if he knew what she flew. He responded, "The C-17?" When corrected to the proper aircraft - our 285hp T-34 - he offered the BREAK. Square said, "You already gave me the OVERHEAD when we arrived, but that's got to be the best line I'll hear all weekend - you just earned your Turtle Wings. (She gave him two pair of STST silver wings with turtle shells in the center.) But, if you don't mind I'll save my UNRESTRICTED CLIMB privilege for the future..." And the young man replied, "Roger that, just say "Turtle Wings" when you're up on the frequency!"
Well, that's all the Turtle news for now... Hope we see you in our travels and hear from you on the website - www.turtle-snap.com! Fly Safe, but preferably NOT straight & level...
Turtle Power!
COMING IN DECEMBER!
SABER TOOTH SNAPPING TURTLES
WEST COAST HDQTRS. - 333 GLORIETTA PLACE - CORONADO, CA 92118
COMM 619.522.2992 - FAX 619.522.2952 - MOBILE 619.922.3335
psq@turtle-snap.com - www.turtle-snap.com
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