Tuesday was the most productive afternoon I’ve spent at the airport. I had come out to be present, mostly. A former airshow director had e’d me that a nationally known air show performer was taking a few days off between air show commitments and would be in Springfield for a few days. My local friend explained she wanted to see AKM and show it to the esteemed traveler. Since I need to be there when they visit, I asked to be notified via e or telephone at least two hours before they planned to visit. I’m always ready to take a few hours away from whatever I’m doing to be there for visitors. Instead of hearing from my friend in hours, I hadn’t heard from her in days, and at this time, I imagine her word is as good as the word of many acquaintances. Even so, there are things to do at the museum office ALL THE TIME, even though I’ve still not finished moving out. I decided to concentrate on what I CAN do because inaction while surrendering to near catatonic frustration and rage over broken promises advances the museum not one inch.
Tuesday, I didn’t even speak to a single human being after a passing “Thanks” to B at the reception counter for unlocking the office door as I was exiting my truck. From 2 to 5:50 I indexed almost 20 recently acquired issues of Aircraft magazine, published in England and one of the best av mags in circulation. It was known as Aircraft Illustrated until publishers shortened the title. In turning ever page of every issue engaged, I noted the subject of every aviation article that covered at least a page and dealt with flight by aircraft controlled by on-board pilots. Aircraft is a step up from many US periodicals in featuring articles about airports all over the world, British and European aircraft, pilots, airlines and museums. I note color pictures, drawings, pilot reports, biographies, model kit reviews and more. Visit the aeroknow website for more info.
It takes concentration over solid stretches of time to accomplish significant indexing, and I was blessed Tuesday afternoon.
part of the 1/72 model display with subtle request
Until things are all moved in and arranged, I’m not even contemplating finishing any of the myriad model projects underway. There just isn’t room in the AKK collection upstairs at the airport. It’s chaos up there. But I did start the first new-build at the desk immediately behind the computer desk at AKM. It’s a Monogram 1/72 scale kit of the North American X-15 which I will finish as the black-finished bird with the NASA band on the vert stab. On opening the kit for the first time in probably 15 years I discovered the humid basement had “welded” the top of the decal sheet to the instructions. I started it anyway.
part of the 1/48 models display
When I had returned home, I returned to one of my favorite websites: Hyperscale and posted a “Needed” note at the Plane Trading page. Less than five hours later, a fellow responded with an offer to donate the decals. WOW! With luck, the model will be ready for the decals when they arrive.
I departed AKM about 6:30 well satisfied from 5.5 hours of honest work. And I will be there about 1:30 today for more indexing and fun. If my acquaintance and her performer friend visit this afternoon, that will be terrific but I’m not betting my chance to be King on it. I am a lucky man, not being responsible for the promises of others.
It’s hard enough being responsible for mine.
CAVU skies to you!
It’s
Abe Lincoln's Air Force 