Visit From A Great Guy

Yesterday I landed the Pawnee and noticed a guy standing next to a vehicle speaking with one of our tow pilots. The closer I got I could see that it was a spitting image of one of my late old friends. I could hardly hold back my comments, "you look exactly like your father", it was the son of E9, Alfonso Jurado jr. what a great surprise, AJ,jr, spent the day at the gliderport with a few of us old Miami guys and he promised to bring his Ventus up to fly with us in the near future. If any of you remember Alfonso you will be pleased to know that his son is flying gliders and having a great time just like his father did. E9, you are not forgotten. Bob

On Sunday, July 26, 2020 at 6:20:41 PM UTC-5, Bob Youngblood wrote:
Yesterday I landed the Pawnee and noticed a guy standing next to a vehicle speaking with one of our tow pilots. The closer I got I could see that it was a spitting image of one of my late old friends. I could hardly hold back my comments, "you look exactly like your father", it was the son of E9, Alfonso Jurado jr. what a great surprise, AJ,jr, spent the day at the gliderport with a few of us old Miami guys and he promised to bring his Ventus up to fly with us in the near future. If any of you remember Alfonso you will be pleased to know that his son is flying gliders and having a great time just like his father did. E9, you are not forgotten. Bob

Thank you for that, Bob. I flew many a contest with The Fonz and he was loved and respected for his character and his flying prowess. He was also the staunchest contrarian. One time 5 of us landed in West Virginia on a totally hilly field by going uphill and moving the glider aside for the next guy. Fonz comes in and lands with the wings banked just so he stayed at the same elevation, a true master pilot.

Great to hear.....
Yes, I flew with "the Fonz" in a few contests in PA/NY over the years.

Yes, I have heard many stories, I have seen a few things my own self.

Glad his son is flying.

Thanks for the post.....

On Monday, July 27, 2020 at 1:39:59 PM UTC-4, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
Great to hear.....
Yes, I flew with "the Fonz" in a few contests in PA/NY over the years.

Yes, I have heard many stories, I have seen a few things my own self.

Glad his son is flying.

Thanks for the post.....

Fonz was one of my glider flying buddies from the late 70's to the mid 80's, it was usually Bennie, Fonz and myself flying almost daily all through and deep into the Everglades. His beautiful rolls were a sight to behold, especially the day the canopy came off smacked him in the head and fell about two thousand feet to shatter the glass, but the frame was intact. Jr has promised to bring his ship up and start flying with us here in Vero, I am sure we will have some great flights, just like old times.

I helped rig E9 a few times at the regionals...

The Fonz was a great man. So many memories flooding back these days...

Sergio, his other son, flys a Standard Cirrus with our club, Adirondack Soaring in Saratoga Springs, NY .


On Sunday, July 26, 2020 at 7:20:41 PM UTC-4, Bob Youngblood wrote:
Yesterday I landed the Pawnee and noticed a guy standing next to a vehicle speaking with one of our tow pilots. The closer I got I could see that it was a spitting image of one of my late old friends. I could hardly hold back my comments, "you look exactly like your father", it was the son of E9, Alfonso Jurado jr. what a great surprise, AJ,jr, spent the day at the gliderport with a few of us old Miami guys and he promised to bring his Ventus up to fly with us in the near future. If any of you remember Alfonso you will be pleased to know that his son is flying gliders and having a great time just like his father did. E9, you are not forgotten. Bob