Mission 10 |
Trade Winds had organized a fly-in to the Yosemite area on this particular Saturday and I had reserved the Cutlass till about 3pm that day. Then earlier in the week, I saw an Angel Flight flight having one passenger from Santa Monica to an airport called Inyokern. I didn’t have my sectional (map) with me, but a quick look on the web located Inyokern 100 miles northwest of Santa Monica – basically in the direction of home from Santa Monica. The on-line scheduling showed that no-one had the Cutlass after me, so I extended my reservation till the end of the day and called Angel Flight who rewarded me with Mission 104607. I was going to miss the fly-in, which, by the way, never took place for whatever reason.
I immediately checked the weather. The weathermen were predicting a big storm to invite itself into California making it almost impossible to make the trip safely. Joel was supposed to come with me to the fly-in. I called to tell him that we were going to Santa Monica instead and that we should really watch the weather closely. More often than not, the wintery systems and associated precipitation knock on the door later and less loudly than expected. I was hoping this was to be the case. Each time I obtained the weather forecast on the web, it seemed to push the storm later and later in the day. On Thursday, they were predicating light rain on Friday and heavier rain on Saturday - still not great, but worth watching. I knew that if we were going to make the flight at all, that it would have to be early in the morning. Joel and I planned to depart at 6:30am, and we were to pick up Lamar Dunn at 9am. It never rained on Friday, and in fact, when I arrived home at 10pm on Friday night, I could still see the stars. Things were looking good. The latest weather forecasts showed the bad weather arriving around lunchtime. When I say bad weather, I mean clouds and perhaps some light rain, nothing significant especially for a proficient instrument pilot like myself. The heavy rain was scheduled for later in the afternoon.
Joel arrived on time, as usual, and we headed down to Reid-Hillview Airport. We were rolling down the runway at 6:31am – just one minute later than planned. Climbing through about 1000’, we hit some bumps. We climbed up to 3500’ as the forecast winds higher up we at about 35-40 knots, not a nice headwind to have for a 260 nautical mile flight. Our GPS showed a groundspeed of 115 knots at 3500’. Upon encountering some hills and associated turbulence at 3500’ near Hollister, we climbed to 5500’ to ‘check it out’. Our groundspeed dropped to just 95 knots even though our true airspeed was close to 135. Yip, we were in a 40-knot headwind. After a few minutes of trundling along at a snail’s pace, I dialed in the Paso Robles AWOS. The surface winds at Paso Robles were calm. We descended back down to 3500’ and our groundspeed hit 115 once again – we had picked up 20 knots. Nothing is free. There are mountains in the LA area, and it’s best not to try fly through 6000’ mountains at 3500’. We needed a plan. Much of the terrain on the way down peaked around 2500’ or so, so we were fairly low. Eagle Eye Joel managed to find a track for us that would find ourselves on the coast over Santa Barbara giving us a straight shot into Santa Monica at 3500’. This worked perfectly. We even managed to carefully thread our way through the Condor Study Area just east of San Luis Obispo.
The coast of Southern California really is very pretty. The conditions were surprisingly clear – LA is known for its fog, smog, mist, pollution – call it what you will, but it doesn’t make for joyful sightseeing. The tower gave us right traffic for runway 21. My descent and pattern worked very well, and soon after turning final, I realized that I had too much energy – too high and too fast. Then I took a look at the windsock. We had about a 10-knot tailwind. I believe the airport was using runway 21 to minimize the noise for its neighbors, but now I had to land this sucker. It was all really anti-climatic. The landing was long, but it was the perfect squeaker – in fact it was a multiple squeaker. Finally, she sat down and we taxied up to the terminal building on the south side.
Joel called for fuel and I ran in to find Lamar Dunn. Lamar and I met and he mentioned that he was tired. Perhaps it was caused by the tests or treatment for the leukemia, but I was not to ask. Turns out Lamar’s frequent visits to UCLA had accumulated over 50 flights. The experienced traveler even showed me where the Angel Flight offices were. With the tanks topped, and the baggage stowed, we took-off on runway 3 – yip, the tower final succumbed to the wind and smartly changed the traffic flow. The departure out of Santa Monica was simple. We headed north, overflew Van Nuys Airport - the busiest General Aviation (GA) airport in the United States. Then took a right turn and headed up towards Edwards Air Force Base.
This was my first visit to the Mojave Desert. I’m not quite sure what I was expecting, but the snow on the mountain peaks to the north of Van Nuys was a surprise. As we cleared the peaks, we saw the vastness of the desert. Edwards Air Force Base was situated more or less in the middle of the desolation and it consisted of a huge 15,000’ runway and pretty much nothing else visibly exciting. It was somewhat of an anti-climax, but I still ensured that I stayed out of the Restricted Area R-2515. I flew along the road, snapped a couple pictures of the Mojave Airport, and according to Joel’s GPS, just missed clipping the restricted area by a mile or so. Perfect flying, and we avoided getting shot down.
We started our descent for Inyokern soon after that, flew over the monstrous test track and lined up for runway 2. Someone called us over the radio and informed us that there was a glider on the runway waiting for a tow. We turned right and entered a base leg for runway 33. We were soon off the runway and headed for the white limo. A very friendly elderly woman who helps out at the cancer center in the town drove the limo. After a handshake and a thank you, Lamar made himself comfortable in the limo. He looked tired, and I was happy that our ride was smooth enough for him to have a caught a quick nap on the flight. The ‘limo driver’ chatted with us for a while. As soon as I mentioned that we might head back to Harris Ranch for lunch, her eyes lit up – they do serve good steak! Joel and I popped into the building that I guess could be called a terminal – never liked that name. To make matters worse, the airlines always announce that the aircraft is on its final approach; no wonder we have so many nervous fliers. Automatic doors? Then we realized why – there was a counter for United Express. I would never have guessed it.
After doing the required activity, I called the Flight Service Station (FSS) to get an update on the San Jose weather. “Are you instrument rated? Is your aircraft icing equipped?” came the questions. The briefer was adamant that the weather was moving in and that we would be encountering icing and other bad weather stuff. After asking a few more questions to get the bigger weather picture, I was not too concerned, yet he ended off with a warning about the icing conditions that had been reported. I was confident in my understanding of the system and we took off with a lunch destination at Harris Ranch. A downwind departure had us heading south over highway 395. We soon located the road that we were to follow and turned right to fly through the Sierras. We flew through Walker Pass, over Isabella Lake, and through the Bakersfield Military Operations Area (MOA) that is only ‘hot’ on weekdays. The snow covered peaks, ragged contours, and picturesque valley was very impressive. On the windward side of the mountain, I felt a strong updraft. I pulled the power back substantially, yet we were in a sustained 1500 fpm climb with the power right back. The wind was making its presence felt again.
We traveled across the unexciting valley and descended into Harris Ranch. For the uninitiated, Harris Ranch lies about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It is the perfect stop for the weary road vacationer. The restaurant is well known for its sumptuous steak, there is a gorgeous hotel with large swimming pool and hot tub, and they’ve just recently built a Subway next to the gas station. We both ordered the marinated tri-tip and were in and out in short order possibly due to my ‘chat’ with the waiter. Before sitting down to lunch, I had once again called the FSS to get another update on the San Jose weather. I also filed an IFR flight plan as clouds were supposedly building up just north of San Jose. We therefore expedited our lunch and headed back to the Cutlass after buying another stash of meat. We started the engine and then noticed the new self-serve gas pump. To err on the safe side, we added another hour or more of AvGas and headed off towards the Panoche VOR. The southerly winds were helping us some and our groundspeed registered between 140 and 150 knots. We picked up our IFR clearance at the Panoche VOR. The clouds were basically nowhere to be seen, but the turbulence was. Yip, you can see turbulence. OK, not the actual turbulence, but you can see its effects in the form of clouds. The big bumps didn’t really materialize, and nor did the cloudy skies. We flew up highway 5, took a left at Sunol and landed back in Reid-Hillview after 6.1 hours of flying in 9 hours. We had successfully completed another Angel Flight Mission and had both gained a wealth of aviation information.
I planned to document my first ten Angel Flight Missions. This was the tenth Mission. I write these for the benefit of not only the reader, but also for my looking back and seeing the small part I have played in the now ten peoples’ lives thereby contributing to the huge impact of Angel Flight. I look back at my first flight to Paradise and Jonna’s thanks, the second flight with the Angel In The Sky Katherine, my third with double bypass 4 year-old Jaja and her Mom, Amy and I bringing Jesus home from a hearing-impaired camp in Yosemite, carrying talkative Angela and Allie back from Kidney Camp in Palo Alto, the long flight north with Demetri, my icing encounter with June from Arcata, and the excruciating headache highlighting my ninth mission. I remember each one so vividly that I could almost swear I flew them all yesterday. I don’t know what life has served up to any of these amazing people. Perhaps I should. Perhaps I should keep in touch and perhaps I should send them my recollection of the flight.
I wish the efforts of Angel Flight could make such an impact on their lives as to rid them of their ailments. Sadly, we know this is only a dream. But the dream came true for Jajay, and as long as we can help bring these brave people closer to their dream, others and I will be more than happy to be a part of Angel Flight.
Update (Monday - 10/22/2001)
It is with a tear in my eye and a very heavy heart, that I tell you that our frequent flyer and good friend, Lamar Dunn, passed away yesterday morning. As many of you know, Lamar's health has been declining and we have watched him go from the passenger we used to call, "Rockin' Lamar" to the very weakened condition he has been in recently. The one thing that had remained consistent, was Lamar's ever present positive attitude and his determination to beat his disease. There is no doubt that those two things allowed him to stay with us as long as he did. In conversations with a number of pilots this morning, every single one mentioned Lamar's strength and resolve. Over the past two years, Lamar had requested 143 flights, 109 of those were flown by 47 different pilots. (the others were cancelled due to weather or his illnesses) Lamar had a heart attack on Friday night and was admitted to the hospital. By Saturday afternoon, they determined that he had a blood infection that had spread beyond control. He passed away Sunday morning. At this moment, plans for services are pending and we will let you know details as soon as they are available. Anyone choosing to send a card to the family can do so at this address:
Bonnie, Nyla and Kyle Noe
1605 S. Mayo
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
I'm sure that cards or letters would be greatly appreciated. We here in the office will miss him terribly, but we take some comfort in the fact that his long struggle is over and he is finally at peace. I want to make sure that all of you know the enormous difference you made in his life. He felt as if he were a part of our family and that was very important to him. Thanks so much for all of the generous work that you do for Angel Flight West, it really makes a difference. Hugs to all of you.
Ciao...Cheri
From fellow Angel Flight pilot Patrick Mathews:
Cheri and all at Angel Flight,
It was indeed my pleasure to have had the experience of knowning Lamar. He was a tough little guy and a giant man of optimism and of unusually high spirits given the cards he had been dealt. I had the privilige of flying him three trips, far less than many of the other pilots I am sure, but I was most impressed by his attitude and his resolve to beat the monster that lived within. He often traveled with his young sister and a her little girl friend for company. It was clear that there was a great deal of care between them and a respect, unusual, with children of that age. He touched at least the 47 people, those that who flew him, that we know about. How many countless others? At a time when we witness great evil, Lamar will be missed and be remembered as a gentle soul who touched us by quietly exhibiting an inner strength and an outer love. God bless him and all of us that shared a small part of his life.
Patrick Mathews
From fellow Angel Flight pilot Michael Adler:
Cheri, et al:
I'm certain that I can not express my feelings with any more eloquence than Patrick. It was an honor for me to be with Lamar and it was my privilege to lend some small support to him in his fight. It seemed like an unfair trade; I provided transportation and he taught me about courage and resolve. I look forward to all of my Angel Flights, but I really looked forward to flights with Lamar. I came away saddened on Lamar's bad days, reinvigorated on his good days, but in every instance inspired. The co-pilots that joined me on several trips were equally touched.
Cheri, I recall the first time you arranged for me to fly with Lamar; you told me that Lamar was "special" and that's the way I'll remember him and all the lessons he taught me.
Best regards to all at Angel Flight,
Michael Adler
From fellow Angel Flight pilot Michael Joe Areeda:
My fondest memory of Lamar was at dinner before a trip home. He said "When I get better, I want to get my pilot's license. Then I maybe can fly Angel Flights. You guys are so cool."
Never had a better or more sincere compliment.
Joe Areeda
From fellow Angel Flight pilot Ron Rapp:
I was flying Lamar out of Santa Monica one day, and while I was strapping into the airplane I joked that he probably had more single engine Cessna flight time than I did. He laughed at that and replied that he'd be sure to keep an eye on me to ensure I didn't shock cool the engine or miss anything on the checklist.
Ron Rapp
From fellow Angel Flight pilot Dr. Bernie Harris:
I first met Lamar Dunn at last year's AFW Picnic at Santa Monica Airport when we celebrated our goal of 1200 AF missions for the year, and Lamar was #1200. Since then I have flown Lamar and sometimes his sisters out of SMO to and from Inyokern six times, at times on a moments notice. My last flight with him was October 5th, my next flight was to be Oct. 30th. I hope he receives a fine set of wings when he qualifies as an angel in his own right.
On our last flight, Lamar told me about his angiocath to open a heart valve and how he felt so much better after the procedure. I told him that after he gets well and back on stable feet that he should think about how he could improve himself and maybe give back to the community, as all of us Angel Flight people do. He said that he thought about that and that he was thinking of going back to college and really making something of himself when he got well enough to do so. And I think he really would do so, if that time ever came to him. It seems so unfortunate that he never got that chance.
I, too, admired his courage and perseverance, and was truly shocked to hear of his demise. I looked forward to flying him on the 30th. We have many other missions to fly with many other deserving people who need our services. I just hope that they all measure up to Lamar's standards. I saw Jim Weaver this afternoon and I think his idea of Angel Flight having our own memorial service for Lamar is a very good one. May I suggest that we support Jim on this and let him know our sentiments.
Dr. Bernie Harris
From fellow Angel Flight pilot Bruce J. Wilder:
Lamar was my first and so far only Angel Flight. Like many of you I was impressed with his courage. If I was in his shoes, I doubt I would be able to face life with the grace he displayed.
One thing he told me during our flight from Santa Monica to Inyokern was that he probably wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for Angel Flight. That statement humbled me; there was nothing I could say to that.
It was amazing that in the mere 2 hours that I was with him that he could touch my life so deeply.
Bruce J. Wilder
From fellow Angel Flight pilot Eddie Gowharrizi:
I am a bit late in writing about Lamar, but as they say, it's better late than never.
First time I flew with Lamar was on December 30th, 1999. I remember asking Lamar's mother a week before the flight if she had any Christmas wishes. She replied, "all we wish for is to have our son back home in good health." December 30th was the day Lamar and I became friends.
I had the pleasure of flying him on a few occasions from and to Inyokern. He was my most favorite passenger. I remember one day Irv Moskovitz and I were flying Lamar back home in a 172. It was my turn to fly PIC, Irv sat in the back and Lamar flew shotgun. With his wonderful sense of humor he turned back to us and said, "you pilots must be very smart to be able to use all of these gages - flying is very hard, I wish I had the brain for it." In flight we showed Lamar how to work the controls and how useless those gages could be. He was quite thrilled over what the continuous pushing and pulling and turning the yoke would do to the flight path. Then I gave him the wheel and asked him to take us home. He did a better job of keeping the plane level than I did! He didn't need any charts to find his way home, either. After all, Lamar was a veteran flyer. I never saw him happier than in that 10 minutes with the yoke in his hand. He said, "when I get better I want to become a pilot." Later he received his "first mission" pin for that flight.
Lamar endured a lot of pain because of the cancer that was taking over his body. On the top of that, he also had to continuously endure humiliations by the greedy taxi cab drivers who thought of themselves to be better than him and did not like his taxi vouchers. With everything going wrong in his life, I never saw Lamar angry at anyone or anything - he was always calm and quiet. He reminded me of another calm and quiet person - Gandhi (in T-shirt and shorts, of course!) Lamar might have been a small person in stature, but he was indeed a great man with a huge heart. And, he was a great friend. It is hard to believe that he is gone, but he will be with us in our thoughts and in our hearts.
Attached is a copy of Lamar's thank you note to all of you wonderful Angel Flight pilots, co-pilots and volunteers. He always thought highly of you.
Thank you all for giving my friend happiness and hope to live.
Eddie Gowharrizi
