SPRUCE CREEK, FL - The 2009 Annual Spruce Creek Wings and Wheels event was an astounding success thanks to the efforts of the many volunteers and the leadership of Capt. Mike Kelly and his wife, Diane.

A vast collection of warbirds, antique and contemporary aircraft as well as diverse vehicles and motorcycles were on display and enjoyed by all attendees.

Kids of all ages were entertained by aerial skill displays by The Mavericks air show team as well as the Spruce Creek Gaggle. The always favorite spot landing contest was even more challenging this year thanks to the high winds brought by a weather front that moved in later in the day.

A formation of two Mustang P-51's based at Spruce Creek stole the show. The WWII ace fighters are in better than new condition thanks to the loving care of their owners, both long time residents at this world-famous fly-in community.

Children activities included a jumping house as well as diverse crafts. Food and drinks and business displays complemented another great day at Spruce Creek.

Pictures speak better than words, so here is the gallery of pictures taken by The Spruce Creek Journal reporter covering the event.

About Spruce Creek...

The Spruce Creek Fly-in is the World’s largest residential airpark. Located near Daytona Beach, Florida, its grounds and private airport (7FL6) are restricted to Residents and Invited Guests only. For more information, visit Spruce Creek.

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - Spruce Creek's most awaited event of the year, The ever popular Wings & Wheels Flying and Static Displays show will be held this Saturday March 28th. A large turnout of residents and friends and family are expected to meet at the famous "Tree" located in Windsock Park at the Spruce Creek Fly-in Community.

This year's attendance is expected to be a historical record. At the last Wings and Wheels, several thousand people were regaled with a fabulous display of formation flying along with static displays of aircraft, cars and motorcycles.

This year's event will include performances by the Spruce Creek Gaggle Flight and the Mavericks flight teams. In addition there will be a large static display of aircraft, many from WWII vintage, as well as collector cars and motorcycles. The all-volunteer event is planned and organized by the residents of the Spruce Creek Fly-In Community in Port Orange, Florida.

Additional activities include The “Spot Landing Contest”, a time-honored tradition where the local residents compare their skills to land their planes with accuracy and class. There will also be Business Displays, Food and Refreshments, 50/50 & Raffle Prizes. Special Events for Children of all ages. For information about volunteering, displaying your aircraft, auto or motorcycle or setting up a booth call Mike & Diane Kelly at 322-5490

Funding for the activities is provided by the residents of Spruce Creek and donations from local businesses. Other activities held throughout the year include the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Family Movie Night, Summer Bash, Breakfast with Santa as well as many other events organized in conjunction with the famous Spruce Creek festivals: The Annual Bonfire, and the Toy Parade.

The Spruce Creek Fly-in Community is the world's most famous residential airpark. With a 4,000 ft lighted runway and a GPS approach, the private airport at the center of the community (7FL6) can accommodate anything from a Stearman to a Gulfstream. Originally a navy airfield during WWII, it evolved into the world's largest residential fly-in community. Today, almost 5,000 residents, 1,300 homes and 700 hangars share a unique life in this private gated village.

A championship golf course and Country Club and 24-hr patrolled security complements the safety, privacy and enjoyment of the residents. John Travolta and many other celebrities have enjoyed the Spruce Creek Fly-In lifestyle and privacy. The first thing a visitor sees after driving through the security gates is a sign that summarizes the spirit of this community: “Caution children and adults at play”.

SPRUCE CREEK FLY-IN WINGS & WHEELS

WHERE

At The Tree, Windsock Park, Spruce Creek Fly-In, Florida

WHEN

Saturday March 28th 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and beyond.
Raid Date: Sunday March 29th

Exhibitor Contacts:
Airplanes (Static) - Jim Calhoun ....492-3824
Cars - Ralph Loewinger .................767-3060
Motorcycles - Donna Spillman .... 767-5814

SPRUCE CREEK, FL. - Local Spruce Creek Fly-In resident and NASCAR star, Mike Skinner has organized a two-day benefit event for this week, the third annual Toyota Skinner Round-up.

The star-studded event starts today with a "Hoe Down" from 6 to 11pm at the FanZone at Daytona International Speedway. Among the celebrities participating are jazz & blues superstar Stacy Mitchhart, NFL star Randy Moss, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, award-winning singer/songwriter Edwin McCain, daredevil Robby Knievel, Betty Jane France, and NASCAR drivers A. J. Allmendinger, Boris Said, Rick Crawford, Ron Hornaday and Steve Park.

Over the last two years, celebrities and the community have joined Mike in raising more than $250,000 for area charities. A live celebrity auction will also be featured with one-of-a-kind items donated by celebrities, drivers, and more. Plus, guests will have the opportunity to have pictures --- taken in Gatorade Victory Lane beside the Exide #5 Toyota Tundra. Also on hand will be “A Taste of Daytona” where area restaurants and retailers will be offering their specialties to “Hoe Down” attendees.

Tickets are $10 per person (Children under 12 FREE) and are available at all Sunshine State Bank locations and will be available at Gate 40 (Williamson Blvd entrance) to Daytona International Speedway

Tomorrow, the even continues at the Spruce Creek Country Club with a star-studded celebrity tournament and the "Skinner Round-Up" Celebrity Poker Tournament. The Grand Prize is a round-trip airfare and a three-night stay at the South Point Casino in Las Vegas. Entrance fee is $100 per player.

"Angie and I invite everyone to be a part of this year’s Round Up,” says Skinner. “Along with the help from sponsors, celebrities, volunteers and of course the public, it is not only a great time for all, but a way to truly make a difference in our community.” He added that this year’s charities will be the Council on Aging, Greyhound Pets of America, Halifax Health Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank and Concerned Citizens for Animal Welfare.

To register in advance or for more information on all events, call 386-763-9011 or visit http://mikeskinner.com/

Here is the Schedule:

Thursday, March 12 (Daytona International Speedway):
6:00-7:30 PM - Gatorade Victory Lane Photos With Mike and the #5 Exide Toyota Tundra
7:00-9:00 PM - Silent Auction
9:00 PM - Celebrity Introductions and Live Auction!
7:30 – 11:00 PM - Live Concert With Jazz/Blues Entertainer Stacy Mitchhart

Friday, March 12th (Spruce Creek Country Club):
8:30 AM til - Celebrity/Sponsor Golf Tournament – Spruce Creek Golf & Country Club (open to sponsors only!)
3:00 PM – Round Up Poker Tournament - Entrance fee is $100 per player, and the grand prize is round trip airfare for two to Las Vegas and a three-night stay at South Point Casino.

FAA Sued Over Plane Crashes
March 6, 2009. By Heidi Turner

Washington, DC: You think that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the US Department of Transportation (DOT) are supposed to protect you from plane crashes so it may come as a surprise that both organizations are being sued for allegedly failing to act on safety recommendations. Yet that is exactly what has happened: two transportation safety organizations have been accused of allowing airplane crashes to occur because of their own inaction.

The National Air Disaster Alliance/Foundation (NADA) has filed the lawsuit, saying that the FAA and DOT have allowed plane crashes to occur by not following the recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board. Specifically, recommendations made on the NTSB's "Most Wanted Transportation Safety Improvements," which dealt with defects in plane design or flight operations, were allegedly ignored, resulting in plane crashes that could have been avoided, had the recommendations been followed.

The Alliance refers to such crashes as "déjà vu disasters." The phrase refers to plane crashes that are similar to those who have happened before and may have been prevented if the FAA had taken action on NTSB safety recommendations that were made 15 years ago. Such disasters include plane crashes involving plane icing—a possible cause of the February 12 crash that killed all 49 people on board and 1 man on the ground.

"As a direct result of the DOT and FAA refusal to adopt the safety recommendations of the NTSB, hundreds of lives have been needlessly lost," the lawsuit states. The lawsuit demands that the FAA adopt NTSB recommendations regarding icing and runway safety. Some of those recommendations are over 15 years old, while others are over 10 years old. The lawsuit does not seek monetary damages.

The NTSB has deemed the FAA's lack of action on its recommendations as "unacceptable." In a recent edition of its "Most Wanted Transportation Safety Improvements," the NTSB stated, "Before another accident or serious incident occurs, the FAA should evaluate all existing turbo propeller-driven airplanes in service using the new information available" regarding freezing rain. NADA notes that during the 15 years that the FAA has studied airplane icing there have been 3 turboprop plane crashes and 100 casualties.

Critics of the FAA and DOT say that they are too close to the airline industry to properly regulate and investigate it, even allowing people hired by airlines to participate in investigations. People who have lost loved ones in plane crashes say they back the lawsuit and it is time for the FAA to take passenger safety seriously.

The National Air Disaster Alliance/Foundation was founded by air crash survivors and family members of victims to raise the standard of safety for airplane passengers.

Source: lawyersandsettlements.com

Watch this spellbinding landing at Brussells. zero-zero (actually "reported" 600' vis) all the way to touch-down...

SPRUCE CREEK - The annual Spruce Creek Fly-In Community Bonfire Event was held last night at "The Tree" in Windsock Park. This year's event saw a historic record attendance by residents and their friends at the world famous airpark community in Port Orange, Florida.

The bonfire was kicked off by a formation exhibition by members of the Spruce Creek Gaggle Flight Team which made several passes with trailing smoke for the enjoyment of the spectators. The Gaggle Flight Team is composed of residents of the Spruce Creek Fly-in which graciously donate their time and aircraft to complement many area events.

Residents braved the cold weather with temperatures dropping all the way down to 49° F, considered "cold" in the balmy North-East Florida area. All attending the event were treated with delicious country fried chicken and baked beans while socializing with fellow neighbors. In addition, there were several tables with desserts ranging from home made cookies to brownies and cakes. Soft drinks for the kids and beer kegs for the grey-haired kids were also served, all free of charge and sponsored by the Community Relations Committee of the Spruce Creek Property Owners Association.

The bonfire at the center of the event brought warmth and a festive atmosphere. There was also a smaller bonfire where the children's roasted marshmallows. The Spruce Creek Children's and Recreation Committee handed out glowing bracelets much to the delight of the little ones.

Held every year, the Spruce Creek Bonfire is one of several loved and widely attended traditions organized by the residents of the Spruce Creek Fly-in. The Spruce Creek Fly-in is the World’s largest residential airpark. Located near Daytona Beach, Florida, its grounds and private airport (7FL6) are restricted to Residents and Invited Guests only. For more information about the Spruce Creek Fly-In, click here: Spruce Creek.

SPRUCE CREEK, FL - The 2008 Annual Toy Parade was held in Spruce Creek yesterday March 13th, 2008. Over a thousand people were in attendance at this, one of the most cherished celebrations of the year at the world-famous fly-in community.

The Toy Parade is organized by the Spruce Creek Flying Club and many resident volunteers and is unique in the world as it is held by and for the residents of the Spruce Creek Fly-In. In addition to a fantastic air show led by the Spruce Creek Gaggle Team. Kids of all ages were entertained by aerial skill displays by The Mavericks air show team.

The parade was composed of a vast collection of Christmas-themed warbirds, antique and contemporary aircraft as well as diverse vehicles and motorcycles. The always favorite "Spruce Creek Drill Team" and the "Creekettes" performed their coordinated skill displays while marching to the music.

In all, Another great day at Spruce Creek.

Pictures speak better than words, so here is the gallery of photographs taken by The Spruce Creek Journal.

About Spruce Creek...

The Spruce Creek Fly-in Community is the world's most famous residential airpark. With a 4,000 ft lighted runway and a GPS approach, the private airport at the center of the community (7FL6) can accommodate anything from a Stearman to a Gulfstream. Originally a navy airfield during WWII, it evolved into the world's largest residential fly-in community.

Today, almost 5,000 residents, 1,300 homes and 700 hangars share a unique life in this private gated village.  A championship golf course and Country Club and 24-hr patrolled security complements the safety, privacy and enjoyment of the residents. John Travolta and many other celebrities have enjoyed the Spruce Creek Fly-In lifestyle and privacy.  The first thing a visitor sees after driving through the security gates is a sign that summarizes the spirit of this community: “Caution children and adults at play”.