Letters from La Vernia
by Tommy Terry
JS: My friend, Tommy Terry, of La Vernia, Texas, is a fellow Ercouper and a City Councilman..in that order, I think. It's clear that he'd rather be flying his pampered little two-seater than just about anything else, and that is certainly understandable. It is also clear that he has a good eye for a story among the vast and diverse aviation population of the Lone Star State. In that light: Fly-Ins usually start earlier in the year in Texas than in the more northern regions. Tommy always goes, so here's another of his "Letters from La Vernia."
The First and Second Texas Fly-In and Brunch.
Our first Fyin & Brunch was so much fun that we decided to try again. The First Ever Texas Ercoupe Fyin & Brunch was held in February at Hilltop Lakes in Central Texas.
Central Texas: that has a nice ring to it. The word "central" makes you think that it would be easy to get to. In most states that would be true, but the area called central Texas is bigger than a lot of states. My co-pilot, Bil, and I flew a little over two hours, and the other planes were about the same. We did have one Ercoupe owner who made a seven hour car trip to be with us. Yep, he was from Texas. But, enough bragging.
That lovely, frigid, February day had almost everyone fighting wind enroute. All of the landings were adventures, given a crosswind of 20 gusting to about 30 and trees on each side of the runway leading to interesting burbles. None of my landings that day were among the ones I'll ever talk about, even though we did walk away and the plane was still usable.
We managed to get three Coupes and an RV something-or-another at the first Flyin & Brunch and a total of nine semi-warm bodies. Thankfully, the restaurant was a short walk from the ramp and we were able to escape the wind and cold. As always, with a bunch of pilots, the conversation and fellowship was good.
Far too soon, it was time to leave the warmth and still of the restaurant to once again be pushed around by the winds.
As soon as I took off, I knew the return trip was going to be fun. My two hour flight to the brunch turned into a three and one-half hour ordeal of watching cars pass us on back roads. This was about the time when I asked Bil if we were having fun yet. It wasn't that way for the entire group though; one member made a 125 mile trip in about forty minutes, going the other direction.
But; a good time was had by all.
The Second Ever Texas Ercoupe Flyin & Brunch was held on April 30th at Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg, Gillespie County Airport (T82), is the home of the Hangar Hotel, a beautiful hotel with a balcony overlooking the airfield and decorated in 1940's style.
Another terrific feature of that airfield is the Airport Diner. The diner is also decked out in 1940's style and has good food. Truth be told; that's why we picked Fredericksburg!
We had six people drive in and seven fly in. Four Coupes made the trip and all reported good flights. We were treated by the presence of Mr. Dennis Price. Dennis is well known around the air shows and flyins of Texas as a first rate aviation photographer. He was kind enough to stop eating and record for posterity the photo included with this rambling.
After the requisite inspections of and comparisons to each other's aircraft, the meeting was adjourned to the Diner. The diner only has two tables, but lots of booth and counter space so it took a while to get everybody together.
 This picture of "The Bunch" was available. Tommy and Connie lower right.
About two hours later, everyone had their fill of B-24's, Bomberburgers, Kamikaze Dogs with Chips, Rosie the Riveter Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Chips, and chocolate shakes and the real business (only business) of this gathering was at hand: Where do we go next?
The Brenham Municipal Airport will be our next victim, unless they get word of the impending invasion and close.
Oh, did I mention those shakes are served in a glass cup, with whipped cream, and a cherry. For a final touch, the mixing cup was brought along with the almost as much in it as in the serving cup. I shall return!
JS: Along with his reverence for all things Ercoupe, Tommy's a dedicated Young Eagles flier. Here's the latest:
 Texas Eagles. L-R: Kenneth Owen, Brandon Owen, Julia Fowler, Jonathan Fowler, Tyler Owen.
La Vernia / Elmendorf Texas
May 13, 2006
TT: Five brand new Young Eagles took flight today from Midlake Airfield (28TE). The chicklets were treated to a takeoff and landing from a grass strip and at a controlled airport (SSF), as well as some sight-seeing along the way. The kids were aware of some of the special treatment given our arrivals and departures at SSF and sent a thank you note to the controllers.
Ercoupe N93929
Pilot: Tommy Terry
Coordinator & Ground Support: Connie Terry
Photo: TT
JS: Finally..all Ercoupers, myself included, are prone to think of our little airplanes as "The Twin-Tailed Tiger." It's very capable and extremely maneuverable for something in its class. Some of us also think of it as a "B-12 and a half." Tommy sent this irresistable picture of his Ercoupe, "Harry," and a friend:
 Harry hits the Big Time.
For another "Letter From La Vernia," Click Here.
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