Hi,

I didn't know Alfonso well, but I met him a few times.

When I was new to soaring I met him and his ASW 20 at a soaring contest in
Albert Lea, MN. I was the scorer for the contest. We were all waiting for
the weather on the launch grid in the early afternoon. I mentioned to him
that I was curious as to whether or not I would fit into an ASW 20 (being
about 6' 3" tall). He said I should try his ASW 20 on for size. He was
very friendly. It fit like a glove. I was surprised that I fit into it.

A few years later a soaring friend said he saw the Fonz do a high-speed, low
altitude pass in his Ventus at his home airport in Florida. Oh yeah, he was
inverted. That must have been something to see... I guess that the
flat-bottomed Ventus wings work fine for inverted flight if your airspeed is
high enough.

Good Soaring,

Paul Remde
___________________________________

"Echo" wrote in message
...

Good Morning,

I am entering my 4th year as the 3rd owner of ASW20 #20463, better known as
Alfonso's 20. I grew up soaring in New Castle, VA, and saw Alfonso a few
times but never really knew him. It is my understanding that he has bad
dementia now. I know the former Miami gliderport was his home field,
however he never logged any soaring outside contests. I've heard many
things, such as him soaring to the keys, aileron rolls with water, soaring
with the canopy open, and impossible landouts. In an effort to write down
all the legends, myths, and stories, I'm hoping to document all the stories
and keep them with the airplane documents. Thanks!

....and yes, it still looks and flies pretty well! (and still manages to get
me home)

Jordan
ASW20 'E'