Alfonso Jurado

On Wing tape.

We started a used wing tape ball in MIA. After it got rather large, we signed it then presented it to him. He just couldn't believe we wasted that much tape. He kept that ball of used wing tape just in case. Yet, he had one draw full of new wing tape rolls that we had given him over the years and considered that his private stash.

See, he reused the wing tape, time after time, by simply not stretching it when putting it on. When removing it, he was careful not to stretch it and kept it lightly pressed on each wing. See, this way he had pre cut right wing tape and left wing tape (stabilizer also). Also, his reasoning for this was brilliant, as it was already initialed for the assemble check, he explained to me it was something he needn't do!

Best. #711.

Great stories! Thanks guys. Not sure how his old 20 still flies after all that!

Jordan

Hi Jordan,
This is Sergio Jurado, Alfonso's son, please email me when you get a moment.....

Thanks,

On Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 10:39:27 PM UTC-5, wrote:
Hi Jordan,
This is Sergio Jurado, Alfonso's son, please email me when you get a moment.....

Thanks,



Sergio, sent you an email. Thanks.

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

On Monday, August 8, 2016 at 7:28:51 PM UTC-5, wrote:
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

Would love to see those pictures!

Jordan

On Friday, September 4, 2015 at 7:06:30 AM UTC-6, Echo wrote:
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'

The contest site was Littlefield, TX. Charlie called a triangle to Portales and Levelland. After turning Portales, the Fonz was 2 turns higher in a great thermal when he headed east southeast. I stayed in the thermal for 2 more turns and headed out following him. He started down, fast and I moved south into better air and watched him do the lawn dart thing - descending lower and lower and then dumping water. I lost sight of him as we went under a shelf and I went searching for lift. After finally making Levelland I headed back to Littlefield. Tuning in gate frequency at 10 minutes out served only to ruin my day as I was rewarded with hearing Alfonzo call 2 minutes out. A lesson in humility??

The contest site was Littlefield, TX. Charlie called a triangle to Portales and Levelland. After turning Portales, the Fonz was 2 turns higher in a great thermal when he headed east southeast. I stayed in the thermal for 2 more turns and headed out following him. He started down, fast and I moved south into better air and watched him do the lawn dart thing - descending lower and lower and then dumping water. I lost sight of him as we went under a shelf and I went searching for lift. After finally making Levelland I headed back to Littlefield. Tuning in gate frequency about 10 minutes served only to ruin my day as I was rewarded with hearing Alfonzo call 2 minutes out. A lesson in humility??