BACFest 2021 - Tullahoma, TN, 13-17 October 2021

[peschi]

We just heard the news that the White House would open the States for us again starting November. That means it will be too late for BACFest. So, Elke and I are out as well.

We still have a reservation for a double in the Holiday Inn Express if somebody is interested to take it.

 

[wjknight]

Members,

As we are getting close to BACFest 2021 I have been asked about COVID safeguards.  The State of Tennessee has a very robust set of guidelines that are being applied appropriately dependent upon the county, location, or event venue.  I am in contact regularly with the executive of the museum and the organizers of our combined events, including all those  venues and locations where our external activities are planned. To date there has been nothing in the State of Tennessee COVID Guidelines that have adversely affected our planned BACFest 2021 activities. The requirement for masks, physical distancing and hand sanitation still remain the best lines of defense, however their requirement and use still remain location and venue dependent. For example, rules in Nashville are different from Chattanooga, which are different again from Pigeon Forge. We continue to monitor the situation and will adjust as necessary taking into account the state requirements and most of all the safety and well being of our members.  I'm looking forward to seeing you all at BACFest 2021 and having a great week of comradery and fun.   

 

[niechiro]

Jeff,  You sound like a politician.  Will we or will be not have to wear masks in Tullehoma for the events that are listed as BAC events.  Here in rural western Nebraska, it is extremely rare to see anyone wearing masks.  We are beyond the Covid crap.  Linda and I both had Covid last October and have it documented by tests.  There are between 15 and 27 studies that document that those of us who have had Covid have superior immunity than those who are immunized.  So let's have it.  What Covid measures are going to be at the hotels, museum, restaurants, etc. in Tullahoma?  I am very reluctant to attend an event that takes us back to Covid measures which proved to have such minimal impact on the disease last year.

 

[Calpilot]

Waiting to hear the Mask outcome. Just say'n

 

[wjknight]

Michael Nielsen said
Jeff,  You sound like a politician.  Will we or will be not have to wear masks in Tullehoma for the events that are listed as BAC events.  Here in rural western Nebraska, it is extremely rare to see anyone wearing masks.  We are beyond the Covid crap.  Linda and I both had Covid last October and have it documented by tests.  There are between 15 and 27 studies that document that those of us who have had Covid have superior immunity than those who are immunized.  So let's have it.  What Covid measures are going to be at the hotels, museum, restaurants, etc. in Tullahoma?  I am very reluctant to attend an event that takes us back to Covid measures which proved to have such minimal impact on the disease last year.

  

Your choice whether to attend or not is a personal choice that only you can make Michael.  Currently, masks are not a requirement although masking, social distancing and hand sanitizing are still State recommended as suggested methods of prevention.  I live in one of the most locked down Provinces of Canada right now, being from Alberta, and I make personal choices everyday about what methods I need to use given a particular situation.  I don't wear a mask normally, but if, for example, a store requires masking to enter, then I personally choose whether to go elsewhere to spend my money or to put on a mask for the 5 minutes I need to in order to enter the store and make my purchase.

The point of the post was to assure those who will be attending that the Club and the organizers of the event are aware of the State of Tennessee Guidelines, we are monitoring any changes to those guidelines and we will continue to inform the members attending the event of any changes related to those guidelines, always keeping the safety and well being of the members foremost in our considerations.  What you do with that information or how you decide to proceed once those guidelines are communicated to you is completely up to you.  Every member will always be respected for whatever informed, educated decision they may personally make.  I look forward to seeing you at BACFest, but I respect your decision if you choose not to join us.  

 

[cmmguy]

Michael Nielsen said
Jeff,  You sound like a politician.  Will we or will be not have to wear masks in Tullehoma for the events that are listed as BAC events.  Here in rural western Nebraska, it is extremely rare to see anyone wearing masks.  We are beyond the Covid crap.  Linda and I both had Covid last October and have it documented by tests.  There are between 15 and 27 studies that document that those of us who have had Covid have superior immunity than those who are immunized.  So let's have it.  What Covid measures are going to be at the hotels, museum, restaurants, etc. in Tullahoma?  I am very reluctant to attend an event that takes us back to Covid measures which proved to have such minimal impact on the disease last year.


  

It is hit or miss...  Just bring a mask for those places that ask you to wear one.  I travel extensively in the South, including TN and most hotels dont require masks, some but not many restaurants require them. It seems in most places it is up to the person to protect themselves. Btw and unfortunately, no one recognizes natural immunity and the very few exceptions require a positive test within 90 days and a dr's note saying you recovered. Yes, it is ridiculous but that is where we are right now. My wife and I both had it in March 2020 and both have our anitbodies tested every two months and still have them.

There is no value in complaining(or so I am told) so just bring a mask and wear it when required(and asked).

 

[mdunlevie]

Calpilot said
Waiting to hear the Mask outcome. Just say'n  

I don't understand "just saying"... What does that mean?  If you are waiting for Jeff to announce "here is what must be done" or "here is what we don't have to do" plan to wait until October 12th.  There isn't any way Jeff or any of the hard working volunteers can know until the state of TN, the County of Franklin, the County of Coffee, or the City of Tullahoma make a ruling, which may happen or it may not happen at all.  All the BAC Fest organizers can do is wait for word on what will be.

What we should do is thank Jeff for announcing that this is an issue which the leaders are watching and spending a lot of effort on, all for us.  Thanks Jeff and team.

I respect my BAC brothers and sisters with whom I may disagree on this whole Covid thing.  I don't understand your position any more than you understand mine, but we should agree that this decision (to attend or not) is a personal one and will likely have to be made on the day we leave or would have to leave for Tullahoma.  We can throw out our personal positions but again because we may not understand how our BAC family members could see it differently that we do only divides us.

There will be BAC members who can't or won't want to be in proximity to large groups because of their personal reasons ("reluctant").  There are BAC members who can't or won't want to be in any place that requires masks.  Some have personal medical reasons.  Some have personal beliefs.  Some won't go without wearing a mask indoors, some will be revolted by anyone near them wearing a mask.  Some may say "your choice" and some may say "my choice."

There will be people attending and people not attending.  Whether you or I go or not, we will miss friends that are not there just like BAC Fests when somebody's plane goes AOG or they have a family or work conflict.

I want to attend and see my flying friends, see their planes or hear about their planes and their flying.  I want to hear the latest on upgrades, mod's and maintenance tips from you all.  I want to sit and have a beer over a grille at the hangar with you and swap stories.

Thanks to Jeff and the organizing crew for putting this on the radar so we know they will tell us when they get word of what it will be and then you and I can make our personal choice.  It is Jeff and team telling us they have it on their radar and are not ignoring "the elephant in the room."  If you haven't been in talks/emails with BAC family about this up to now, there are some of us that have been and we now take comfort that Jeff and the team are on top of this for whatever our position is.  

It certainly shouldn't be a call to arms or get anyone riled up, especially with the volunteers working hard to make BAC Fest 2021 happen.

No matter what our personal choice on all this is, I'll enjoy seeing you or your upper face or I'll miss seeing you, but I will be glad to count you as my BAC family.  Fair winds and blue skies to you all.

 

[Calpilot]

I sign most of my post with “just Say’n”! 
I was just checking to see what the protocol was or might be for the event. Why the unnecessary response? Just say’n 

 

[corcoran]

Airport Ride!

Two 15 passenger vans will be picked up by BAC volunteers at the Nashville BNA Airport for the convenience of members during BACFest21.

The vans will leave for Tullahoma around noontime on Wednesday October 13th. If you want to get aboard let me know now. We may be able to coordinate arrivals.

eMail me at mediareps@aol.com putting the words AIRPORT RIDE in the title.

Note: This is not an airport shuttle. It is joining a single trip to BACFest21 from BNA.

Tom Corcoran

The photo of Marty Vanover at the Pima Air Museum in Tucson AZ is included for entertainment purposes.

 

[trumpet nelson]

trumpet nelson  - -  my mask etiquette

While I am not happy wearing a mask, I am also sensitive to other's needs and wishes.  Here are MY bullet points for the mask issue at BACfest 2021.  Your mileage (and opinion) may vary ......

- I will be packing my mask and vaccine card 100% of the time.  Simple.  Easy.  After all  ... my pants have pockets.

- if there is a regulatory or administrative demand to wear a mask/show my card, I will do it

- my default position will be no mask ... because ... I soooo like to visit with my friends as I have in the past.  Guys ... expect a handshake.  Gals ... you may get a hug.

- I will not be argumentative or even disappointed by anyone asking me to don my mask.   Or bump elbows.  6 feet.  Or whatever.  I will be supportive of your opinion.  I am not there to challenge you.  I am there to be your friend.

- I will do my best to control my plane's prop blast while taxing and  ........ oh wait .....  same idea, but different topic

- I will NOT be wearing my mask while playing the trumpet.  You have been warned !!  Dude.

Keep smiling, fly safe, let's have a GREAT time.

Nelson Amen

 

 

[niechiro]

Jeff, Mike D. and J. Jones seem to have missed my point and confused guidelines with mandates.  I am talking about mandates. You should be aware of TN Gov. Bill Lee's Executive Order 80 which removed local mayors authority in 89 of its counties to issue mask requirements.  Tennessee never did have a state wide mandate.  If you have information that EO 80 was superseded, I want to hear it.  Here is a link to an announcement about that order.  https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/tennessee-gov-bill-lee-issues-new-executive-order-ending-covid-19-restrictions-mask-requirements/522-ed3827af-60bd-4dc8-b3ea-afea98ea84ee

J. Jones said that natural immunity is not recognized by anyone.  Anyone refers to the drug, government, public health partnership that promotes drugs as a way to be healthy.  I did state that there are at least 15 studies and as many as 27 that concluded it is better than artificial immunity by vaccination.  Sen. Rand Paul, who is a medical doctor, stated about 2 months ago that there are over 100 million in the US who have had Covid and have natural immunity and was concerned that this was not being counted in the statistics.   Obviously someone recognizes natural immunity.  

It has been stated that some will proudly carry their vaccination cards.  That's nice, but they must remember that Covid vaccinations do not keep you from getting the disease.  They reduce the symptoms when you do get it.  My daughter is the infection prevention specialist at her hospital and has reminded me of this fact.

We all understand that it is our personal choice whether or not to attend BACFest.  It is not useful to remind us of this and is even counter productive.  We are dyed in the wool BAC'ers and want to be there, but want to be appropriately informed.  I will have a mask in the unlikely event we encounter an establishment that mandates them.  Here in Nebraska, there hasn't been one of these for at least some 6 months.  This past week I attended several volleyball tournaments to watch 2 of my granddaughters play in 9 games.  We sat shoulder to shoulder in gyms packed with people and no masks.  I only tell you this so that you understand the environment that I am coming from.  

 

[JOHNNYXRAY]

Michael Nielsen said
Jeff,  You sound like a politician.  Will we or will be not have to wear masks in Tullehoma for the events that are listed as BAC events.  Here in rural western Nebraska, it is extremely rare to see anyone wearing masks.  We are beyond the Covid crap.  Linda and I both had Covid last October and have it documented by tests.  There are between 15 and 27 studies that document that those of us who have had Covid have superior immunity than those who are immunized.  So let's have it.  What Covid measures are going to be at the hotels, museum, restaurants, etc. in Tullahoma?  I am very reluctant to attend an event that takes us back to Covid measures which proved to have such minimal impact on the disease last year.


  

   I believe Jeff is just trying to keep everyone aware of the changing environment . Thanks for doing that. I personally received the vaccination ( some are at high risk and can not get it , Some choose not to ) That's fine .Some choose just to go get the virus themselves to avoid the political mumbo jumbo . I am looking forward to seeing everyone that goes this year. I wish everyone healthy travels and if wearing a mask around anyone makes them feel more comfortable with me. Deal me in . PS . I plan on giving Nelson a hug (even if he is only shaking hands with the guys) . DUDE !!! . Also I noticed a mask will fit nicely in my "LIFES A BEECH" t shirt pocket 

 

[leitnerj]

Amy & I regretfully have to bow out.  Amy was involved in a car accident just a couple days ago.  She has a good deal of bruising, including the ribs, and isn't as mobile as she likes.  Short car rides to the store are still quite uncomfortable for her.  I don't want to put her in the plane for a 4 hour flight out there either.  Because of that we will be staying at home this year.  

 

I have a hotel room at the Holiday Inn (King).  I'll hold onto it for another 48 hours before cancelling.  If someone would like the room we can try to change the names on the reservation.  Feel free to reach out to me:  leitnerj@gmail.com

 

Have a great time everyone!

 

[wjknight]

leitnerj said
Amy & I regretfully have to bow out.  Amy was involved in a car accident just a couple days ago.  She has a good deal of bruising, including the ribs, and isn't as mobile as she likes.  Short car rides to the store are still quite uncomfortable for her.  I don't want to put her in the plane for a 4 hour flight out there either.  Because of that we will be staying at home this year.  

I have a hotel room at the Holiday Inn (King).  I'll hold onto it for another 48 hours before cancelling.  If someone would like the room we can try to change the names on the reservation.  Feel free to reach out to me:  leitnerj@gmail.com

Have a great time everyone!  

So sorry to hear that Jay.  Wishing Amy a speedy recovery and we hope to see you both again real soon.

 

[drwhite]

leitnerj said
Amy & I regretfully have to bow out.  Amy was involved in a car accident just a couple days ago.  She has a good deal of bruising, including the ribs, and isn't as mobile as she likes.  Short car rides to the store are still quite uncomfortable for her.  I don't want to put her in the plane for a 4 hour flight out there either.  Because of that we will be staying at home this year.  


 


I have a hotel room at the Holiday Inn (King).  I'll hold onto it for another 48 hours before cancelling.  If someone would like the room we can try to change the names on the reservation.  Feel free to reach out to me:  leitnerj@gmail.com


 


Have a great time everyone!


  

That's a rough way to have to drop out. I have reserved Friday and Saturday night at the Holiday Inn but now find that I can come earlier but the HI is full so I have 2 nights at the other hotel. I have left notification that if something opens up for them to please notify me. I would be glad to grab the Wed and Thurs night if available.

 

[leitnerj]

Alan White said

leitnerj said

Amy & I regretfully have to bow out.  Amy was involved in a car accident just a couple days ago.  She has a good deal of bruising, including the ribs, and isn't as mobile as she likes.  Short car rides to the store are still quite uncomfortable for her.  I don't want to put her in the plane for a 4 hour flight out there either.  Because of that we will be staying at home this year.  


 


I have a hotel room at the Holiday Inn (King).  I'll hold onto it for another 48 hours before cancelling.  If someone would like the room we can try to change the names on the reservation.  Feel free to reach out to me:  leitnerj@gmail.com


 


Have a great time everyone!


  

That's a rough way to have to drop out. I have reserved Friday and Saturday night at the Holiday Inn but now find that I can come earlier but the HI is full so I have 2 nights at the other hotel. I have left notification that if something opens up for them to please notify me. I would be glad to grab the Wed and Thurs night if available.


  

Alan - shoot me an email (leitnerj@gmail.com).  I don't have Wednesday but I do have Thursday night at the HI.  

 

[mdunlevie]

Speedy recovery to you and Amy, we'll miss you guys!

 

[JohnFoster]

corcoran said
This is a repeat message for the edification of any who are interested and may may have missed it:


BACFest21 Airport Ride Offer!


Two 15 passenger vans will be picked up by BAC volunteers at the Nashville BNA Airport for the convenience of members during BACFest21.


The vans will leave for Tullahoma around noontime on Wednesday October 13th. If you want to get aboard let me know now. We may be able to coordinate arrivals.


eMail me at mediareps@aol.com putting the words AIRPORT RIDE in the title.


Note: This is not an airport shuttle. It is joining a single trip to BACFest21 from BNA. It is not necessarily a round trip. Photos below are for entertainment purposes.


Tom Corcoran





Harvey Haag, Airboss of Pennsylvania   





 Steve Cote, Airboss of Massachusetts


  

To all:

I too am picking up a large van, but at the Atlanta Airport.  I will be driving from the Nashville area (Franklin TN.) on Wed Oct. 13 as well.  If I need to depart or pickup anyone at a different time to conveniently coordinate various arrival times, I am available for that.  I can be reached by email vistajf58@gmail.com or text/phone 5416934530.

Let me know what I can do to help out.

John

 

[niechiro]

Linda and I have been working on our Sierra to prepare it for a week's vacation culminating at BACFest.  However, we are finding it difficult combined with expensive to rent cars at various locations.  At the same airport in Branson that hosted BACFest a few years ago, the cheapest car is a Camero at $130/day.  There are a couple of other rental companies in that area, but we would have to bike to them.  It is getting increasingly frustrating dealing with this and we are actually thinking about driving.  The new car shortage has had a profound impact on renting.

Our sympathies go to the Leitners, but praises that Amy's injuries were not worse.  Here's wishing a speedy recovery.

 

[Unclerap]

Mike: Charlotte and I are driving, to arrive Thurs noonish. Departing Sun AM. We have 2 seats available.  We are at HI express. At previous BFs ad hoc transportation seemed to work, we got folks where they needed to be. I suspect Cocorran will chime in with some BAC rental vans.

Rap