Alfonso Jurado

I had the privilege of flying with Fonz for many years at Thermal Research in Miami. I have photos of that very 20 flying in formation over the Florida coast .
Yes Alfonso was one of the very best and he could get the very best out of that ole bird. For a few years it was usually Bennie Flowers, Alfonso, Jon Fox and myself flying almost daily. Paul Crowell,"Pablo", was our tow pilot and was there to get us off the ground.
Yes, there are many tall tales about the Fonz, some would have you laughing and shaking your heads. He always could find that last thermal of the day to get home from those places like Shark River Valley, or the lower area of the Everglades Park. Those days of flying sailplanes In Miami were the best, and it was guys like Bennie, Jon, and Fonz that make those memories so special.
My wife and I attended the memorial fly-in at Homestead, I carried my old scrapbook that contained may pictures of Alfonso in that very 20. Pictures of many glider pilots and tow pilots were a welcome sight by many, Alfonso Jr. really enjoyed seeing his dad flying that 20. Alfonso was a unique person, kind, helpful, and a true friend. Thanks for the memories. Bob and Eileen