Gary Vacin
The Sun Lakes Aero Club has announced a slate of speakers for its gatherings for 2024-25. The events begin with camaraderie at 6:30 p.m. followed by the presentation at 7 p.m. at Cottonwood Country Club.
The Nov. 18, 2024, speaker will be historian Valerie Adams who will discuss the roles of the WASPs, a group of women pilots who were active ferrying aircraft, towing targets, test flying, and performing other duties during World War II.
On Dec. 16, 2024, Art Vernon, a docent at the Commemorative Air Force Museum at Falcon Field airport, will talk about pioneers of the air who led the development of air power on and over the trenches during World War I.
The Jan. 20, 2025, speaker will be Jim Theobold, a longtime Aero Club member, who will relate many of his experiences while logging more than 30,000 hours flying for Flying Tigers Airlines and Federal Express.
On Feb. 17, 2025, Wayne Marshall, retired airline captain, will tell how he flew a homebuilt light-sport aircraft from completing a circuit city to city around the country.
On March 17, 2025, Tom Webster, also a docent at the Commemorative Air Force Museum, will talk about his experiences flying A-10 and F-16 fighter aircraft while in the U.S. Air Force.
An article in the Sun Lakes Splash will provide information on the April 21, 2025, speaker.
The Sun Lakes Aero Club is an official Sun Lakes organization that sponsors programs the third Monday of each month, November through April, at Cottonwood Country Club. The programs are open to all Sun Lakes residents and others interested in aviation.
More information on the club is available from Cannon Hill at 509-539-7857 or Gary Vacin at 480-298-7017.