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Terry & Karen Hocking - Cherokee Lead
We all have our list of favorites when we make the annual pilgrimage to Oshkosh. The warbird show has always been one of those "lump in the throat" moments for Karen and me. Seeing and touching what is new and attending the forums of choice, while sharing information with knowledgeable pundits, is all part of the ambiance and excitement that accompany Oshkosh. Yes, as you have gleaned, I am a relic and cannot embrace the new moniker of AirVenture. Part of my antiquated mentality is AirVenture is one week a year, while Oshkosh is there all year long. I truly enjoy the build up to AirVenture almost as much as the Convention itself.
One of the things Kar and I have always enjoyed when time allowed was to get in early and watch people who come from all points of the compass for one reason. They want to immerse themselves with like minded individuals who are a microcosm of everything that is good in America. They want to appreciate what others have done to their aircraft and maybe garner some gratuitous, unsolicited praise of their own flying machine. That is the big picture. From there, it breaks down to subcultures like the Homebuilders, Warbirds, Light Sport, etc. Amongst the spam cans, you have the Mooney Group, the Bonanza Group, Ercoupes, and Cessnas, etc. I have always marveled at the level of commitment these groups in particular have towards a common goal with respect to their arrival at AirVenture. It's a thing of beauty to watch 137 Bonanzas descend on Oshkosh in a group. I always wondered, why is there not a Cherokee Mass Arrival? There is now...
50 on the 50th was the theme for the 2010 Mass Arrival to Oshkosh. Unfortunately, the weather that preceded our arrival did not allow for us to complete our mission. Not one of us ever envisioned the amount of rain that would fall on Oshkosh the day before our arrival would come to be labeled as historic. Predicated on past experience, it was beyond our comprehension that EAA would not be able to find a place to park our aircraft on Friday. Karen and I were there for the hottest Oshkosh, and we have been there when we had to wear sweatshirts. We have never been flooded out. 2010 will be remembered for years to come. The flooded field conditions at Oshkosh did not deter our Flight Operations department. They kept the group working all day Friday and Saturday in Waupaca, and as a result, the weather provided didactic opportunities that are in place today. What was learned in Waupaca in 2010, established the base that will propel us forward in the future.
If you decide to join us in 2012, you will meet not only some of the best Formation Instructors available, you will also get to interact with and enjoy the company of what I consider the embodiment of what it means to be a true aviation enthusiast. These highly qualified individuals that make up the Cherokees to Oshkosh team give freely of their time for no other reason than it puts a smile on their faces.
The "students" deserve recognition as well. We were handed a huge disappointment in 2010, and without exception, not one person complained. When reality set in, as a group the focus turned to 2011 and beyond with the mission of how we could make Cherokees to Oshkosh better. 2011 was a huge success on every level. In place of rain this year, we were treated to heat and humidity that flirted with the century mark. Again, not one person complained as they all remained focused on the goal. Lots of ideas were generated during our time in Waupaca as well as while we were relaxing in Oshkosh, and as a result 2012 is going to be even more memorable than 2011.
I know there are many questions to come as this all unfolds throughout the year. I am confident that I speak for everyone on team Cherokee when I say we are enjoying every minute of this, and if we don't have the answer, we will find it for you. Feel free to contact us at any time. In the meantime, let us not forget the four greatest words in the English language: CHEROKEE FLIGHT-CHECK IN!!
"Ferg" Ferguson - Director of Air Operations
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The list of talented individuals who make Cherokees to Oshkosh happen and propel this event forward is growing very quickly. I don't want to minimize anyone's contribution to this event, but one individual stands out as the glue that binds us all together. Without him, there would not be a Cherokee mass arrival to AirVenture. The combination of experience, talent, and enthusiasm he possesses and brings to the table is incalculable when the goal is bringing fifty aircraft to the world's greatest aviation event and landing them as one. I have known this person less than a year, however I feel like I have had the privilege of his insights and experience much longer than that short period. As you read his impressive list of credentials, keep in mind that this person is the most humble individual I have ever met. This is precisely the reason I am writing his bio, as he would see it a self aggrandizement. Dwane Ferguson is our Director of Operations. Simply put, if it has anything to do with the flying component of this event, Dwane is in charge. "Ferg", as he likes to be called, began flying airplanes in 1968 in an Aeronca Champ. At that time he was also earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 1971, Ferg enlisted in the Air Force and began his Military career in Southeast Asia flying a C-130 Hercules. He finished his career after serving in Desert Storm and earned not only his Masters Degree while serving our country, but also his CFIA, and A&P Certificates in his "free" time while still on active duty. During his tenure in the Air Force, he was an instructor pilot teaching formation flying in C-130's not only in VMC but on the gauges as well. Upon retirement from the Air Force in 1993, Ferg went to work for American Airlines until his mandatory retirement in 2006 as a result of the antiquated age 60 rule. April 1, 2010, I was able to call him and congratulate him for a successful CFII checkride. His thirst for learning is insatiable. Dwane is also one of the fortunate pilots who gets to make two decisions before he goes flying. No, it is not do I start the right engine first, it is which aircraft do I choose? He has to make the choice between his Tri-Pacer or Cherokee Six. Ferg is a true aviation enthusiast by every definition of the word. American Airlines loss was our gain. Ferg joined Cherokees to Oshkosh in 2010. If we had to pay him, we simply could not afford him. We are very fortunate that he is with us because this is where he wants to be at this point in his life. His teaching style is that of encouragement and praise. If the student is not understanding what is to be learned, he bears the responsibility and tries it from another angle. My sincere hope is that I can live long enough to be half the CFI Dwane Ferguson is.
Chip Gentry -
Director of Legal Affairs
My initial
contact with Chip was via e-mail. He had
just found out that there was going to be a
Mass Arrival of Cherokees to AirVenture in
2010, and jumped on it. Upon reading his
first few sentences, I immediately knew he
had literally consumed the entire
website. That point was further cemented,
as he validated his position to be allowed
to join us, by reminding me verbatim what
was said in an e-mail I had posted from FAA.
I had no idea that less than a year later,
Chip would become an integral part of the
team, as well as a valued sponsor
representing Carson and Coil P.C..
Successful
Mass Arrivals are the result of two
components. Chip is the poster child for
both of these requisites-natural talent, and
enthusiasm that effervesces at every
opportunity. Compared to most of us involved
in Cherokees to Oshkosh, Chip is young
enough to refer to the majority as "Dad."
He is one of those rare individuals
however, that can put an airplane on and
wear it. He started flying in 2008, and
while he is not considered high time amongst
the numerous retired airline pilots that
join us, he has already added an Instrument
Rating, numerous endorsements, over 800
hours and two aircraft to his
aviation bucket list. Chip currently owns a
glass panel Archer III for one reason. It is
not because he wants to impress
anyone, hubris is simply not in his
vocabulary. He just loves to fly! If I am
envious of anything about Chip, it is that I
no longer possess that unbridled excitement
for aviation that he exudes. He commits
aviation every chance he can either as an
Angel Flight pilot giving of his time and
resources, or as volunteer to fly EAA Young
Eagles introducing young people to the magic
of a world that only few have access.
We all
remember our first Oshkosh as vividly as we
recall our first love. Ironically, 2010 was
Chip's second AirVenture. His first was when
his Dad shared the experience for the first
time with him. Like so many of us, Chip
watched the Bonanzas and the Mooneys perform
their aerial ballet that culminated in a
choreography of aircraft and flag men that
only pilots can really appreciate. His
always inquisitive mind pondered the reasons
that Cherokees were not present in this
ritual of opening weekend.
Art Gentry
is Chip's Father, as well as his mentor.
While he introduced Chip to flying, he did
not push him in that direction. He choose to
take a more subtle approach by planting a
seed, and waiting for it to sprout. Art
gladly accompanied Chip to the first annual
Cherokees to Oshkosh event in 2010 lending
his help and energy where needed. Art
relished the opportunity to make a lot of
new friends-even if he does think we fly
with the wings on the wrong side of the
airplane. Yes, he is a Cessna guy.
If you get
a chance, and I highly encourage it, sit
down and talk to Chip about what I have just
referenced. He will talk to you all day
about the pros and cons of stacking high
versus stacking low, as well as the benefits
of a three ship versus a two ship element.
If you can get him to take a break from
that, ask him how many hours he had when he
soloed, as well as how many he had when he
took his Private Pilot Checkride. I assure
you, it will be a brief departure and the
topic will turn back to formation flying
into Oshkosh!
Art Gentry
- Webmaster  We call Art our I/T guy, however Information and Technology is just a small part of what Art contributes. I do not say that to mitigate his contribution. We are all very grateful for what he does with the website. However, Cherokees to Oshkosh is about the people, and Art is very near and dear to all of us. Art joins us in his Cessna, and will remain with us until he makes the choice to leave. On balance, Art is quiet and unassuming, however when he does make a suggestion, it is to improve the group as a whole. For example, this year we asked for his input on staging aircraft prior to our launch from Waupaca. He created a chart without equal that included dash tags with tail numbers and positions in the formation. The benefit was immeasurable, and the safety component Art provided enhanced our group exponentially. When I think of Art, the word integrity immediately comes to mind. Art is also a member of the Masonic Lodge. Growing up with a Father and Grandfather that were active in this organization, I am very aware of the values and ethics instilled as a result. If you decide to join us in 2012, please take the time to engage Art in conversation. You will not be disappointed in either the content or the level of enthusiasm Art brings to all things aviation.
Doane and Karol
- Registration
Doane and Karole take care of our registration and dissemination of information via our NOTAM’s. The spark that ignited Doane's interest in aviation came from his late father, a B-24 veteran. Although starting his flight training rather late in life, he like Chip, can't find enough reasons to "go flying." He and Karole proudly own and fly a beautiful Cherokee 140. Those of you in the Northwest PA area should get the chance to attend the MiniClinic he sponsors. I am usually able to read people fairly quickly upon first meeting them, however I will freely admit Doane fooled me. When he and Karole joined us in 2010, they appeared to have a good time and asked some very pointed, probing questions. Still waters run deep, and I clearly misinterpreted the level of enthusiasm Doane harbored and reflected towards Cherokees to Oshkosh. Before departing they told Karen to let them know if they could be of help the following year. With the restructuring of Cherokees to Oshkosh going into 2011, Doane asked once more if he could help out in any way. We welcomed the help and thanked him for coming on board. In hindsight, instead of politely thanking him for his offer, I should have tackled him and kissed him! First of all, with Doane we also get Karole. She makes us all smarter than we are with her suggestions and editing skills. Doane and Karole’s attention to detail is in parallel with the rest of the team. More importantly however, Doane has the ability to think outside of the box, and provide Cherokees to Oshkosh with insights that peg the fun meter for all of us. If the quality of the NOTAM’s and Registration form was not enough, he created a video memory of our time together in 2011 that will sustain and remind everyone what a truly special moment in time we all shared that hot July afternoon. I sincerely hope you will have the opportunity to sit down and share some time with them.
Tony and Sandra
- Apparel
Tony and Sandra Harding are our friends from across the pond that now reside in Ohio. I first met Sandra and Tony in Waupaca preparing for Cherokees to Oshkosh 2010. They asked what they could do to help, and haven’t stopped contributing since. Sandra and Tony take care of apparel for Cherokees to Oshkosh. In 2010 we had name tags. Sandra was not a fan of that and suggested we all have name and N-number embroidered on the shirts. I was concerned about the work load, however Sandra would not take no for an answer. We are truly the shirt envy of the other mass Arrival groups, and we have Tony and Sandra to thank for it. In addition, they organized the spot landing contest in 2011 which was a resounding success, not to mention a lot of fun. Tony secured two sets of Goodyear Flight Custom lll tires for 1st and 2nd place, and as a result, there are two pilots that are still smiling when they think of Tony! Karen and I have also had the joy of being invited into their home, and as a result, I have been exposed to culinary delights that I have not enjoyed previous to this during my 55 years residing on this third rock from the sun. If the opportunity presents itself, I sincerely hope you will have the time to sit down and talk with Tony and Sandra. I promise, you will part company with a smile on your face.
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