On January 22, 2008 , a group of pilots cranked their planes and pointed them to the south.  This was the start of a trip that will take them over 6,000 miles and spend over 40 hours in their planes.

 

This odyssey was the brain child of Chief Pilot Anthony Hall, Marvin Smith and James Miller.  Others making the trip were, Fred Lewis, Charlie Masters, Hubert Looney, John and Thomasine Hicks, Vergil Pullins and Bobby Robinson. Those who made the trip stated that this was a once in a lifetime adventure that they are glad they make.  

 

The friendships that were developed will last forever.

 

We were hoping that there would be little or no problem on this trip.  However, that was not to be.  We were supposed to leave at 7:00 am on Sunday morning, but Customs had other plans. The agent, who was to meet us, over slept or was in no hurry to let us leave.  A little after 8:30 Anthony pointed Sugar Pop toward the southern skies.

 

In the Barron with Anthony was Fred Lewis and Vergil Pullins, from Detroit.   Next off was, Marvin Smith in the 210.  With him was James Miller, Charlie Masters, from San Antonio, and Bobby Robinson, from Detroit. The last plane off was the Bonanza flown by John Hicks. In the plane with him was his wife Thomasine and Hubert Looney.  

The Destination was Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.  This leg of the trip was to take 4hours and 30 minutes.   The goal for the day was to make it to Barbados by night fall.

 

To view the photos, click on “Photos” in the upper right of this page...