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What To Pack for the CONFAB




As time draws closer to the Cessna 150-152 Fly- In, the one question that always seems to arise
is, “What should I bring to The Confab?”

First thing, items for the cockpit.
Most of the items needed for a typical local flight are the same as what’s needed for the cross-country flight to Cessna, Iowa.
The obvious items such as your headset, portable GPS, tablet, charts, sunglasses, and any of the other necessary items for flight.
Electronics need power, so don’t forget the associated chargers and appropriate cords to keep them charged during flight.
Portable power is also an option. Small battery packs specifically designed for phones, tablets and portable navigation systems
are available from most computer stores and Amazon.

Keeping a pilot happy very simple, keep the pilot fed.
Water and snacks go a long way to making a flight comfortable on hot summer days. Flying for many hours will most likely bring on
dehydration and that’s not good. Dehydration can be avoided by simply drinking Plenty of water.
We offer free water at the Fly-In so there is no need to load the plane up to max gross but bring at least a liter per day for the flight.
Fresh fruit and trail mix are popular snacks when the only alternative is the candy machine in the FBO at the gas stops.

The aircraft generally doesn’t communicate when something is going to fail.
For that reason, and the space required, it isn’t practicable to carry spare cylinders or an extra aileron. But smaller parts are easily
pigeonholed in a small tool bag. A small set of wrenches of the more popular sizes, a combination screwdriver (with both flat and phillips bits),
a multipurpose tool, some popular socket sizes and handle, and some safety wire and a pair of dikes will allow an owner to make a quick
diagnostic check of any issue. Carrying an extra spark plug and a spark plug socket can come in handy as well.
As with any maintenance, special attention should be brought to FAR Part 43. And, as Harry Callahan said (sort of) “pilots got to know their limitations”.

After hours and hours of flying, and (hopefully) enjoying the scenery, Clinton, Iowa finally comes into view.
Once on the ground at the Fly- In, the parking crew will direct you to the tiedown area. All aircraft are required to be tied down when not flying.
Bring a set of tiedowns designed for parking on the grass. All of the popular devices work. Don’t forget the gust locks, cowl plugs and pitot tube cover.

Internet is available at the FBO and is accessible by everyone attending the Fly-In.
With that in mind, if a computer is necessary to connect with the world, feel free to bring the laptop/tablet. Cell phone coverage is adequate at the airport and we have plenty of charging power. Don’t forget the chargers and adapters for all of your technology.

There’s an old adage: If there are no pictures, it didn’t happen.
So, to impress friends and family be sure to bring a camera. There will be plenty of opportunities to catch the action out at “Green Acres”
where the Spot Landing and Nerf Drop contests are held.

In 22 years of Fly-Ins about the only thing that we haven’t seen in Iowa in July is snow.
That said, temperatures have ranged from daytime highs in the low 60s to the upper 90s, and nighttime lows have been as cold as the mid 50s.
While most attendees can easily get by with shorts and a t-shirt (be sure to order yours when you sign up!) it is a good idea to bring a sweatshirt or light jacket for those colder days.
A light rain jacket will come in handy as there is usually some form of rain in the forecast.
Sunscreen is also a necessity for those sunny days.

For those who arrive and want to make sure they don’t miss any of the fun the best way to enjoy the Fly-In is to never leave the airport.
Ditch the hotel and pitch a tent next to the aircraft. We offer showers in the FBO so a toiletry kit will be necessary. Don’t forget the towel,
wash cloth and a pair of shower shoes.

When it comes to camping and tents, well, don’t skimp.
Make sure it is waterproof with a good fly to cover the tent itself. Putting a tarp under the tent will keep the tent extra dry from any ground moisture.
Experience shows that when it rains, it pours and the cheap tents with the waterproof floors will fill up with water long before they keep the water out.
There is a laundromat in town, but it’s a lot less challenging to wake up high and dry. The grass in Iowa is typically soft to walk on, however,
it becomes uncomfortable when trying to sleep on it for several hours. To mitigate that, a good air mattress or cot can be used. As mentioned above,
overnight temperatures can dip into the 50s. Sleeping bags don’t have to be Mount Everest approved but should be warm enough for the colder evenings.
Bringing a set of unfitted sheets and a light blanket will come in handy on the warmer nights.

That is a lot of stuff!!!

You don’t have to fit everything in your airplane, especially if you’re flying with a copilot. Everything can be shipped to the airport and will be available upon arrival. Simply pack a box or two, pick a shipper, and send it to:

Clinton Municipal Airport
2000 South 60th Street
Clinton IA 53732

Mark the outside of the box with “Cessna 150-
152 Fly-In” and the airport staff will place your
box in a secure area until your arrival.

We recommend UPS for shipping. They will come out and pick up your box after the Fly-In if you prepaid the return and attach the return shipping label. If you use another service, it’s on you to take care of the return
After traveling hundreds or thousands of miles the landing at Clinton was flawless. The tent has been pitched. Friends are joining in the hanger and
it is time to “make some new old friends.” But the hair on top of the head is a mess and that comb that was in the toiletry bag isn’t anywhere to be found.
Is this a crisis? Of course not. Your Cessna 150-152 Fly-In management has that covered. Our shuttle van runs into town and makes stops at the
Super Walmart where you can pick up all those little things you may have lost or forgotten. We also stop at the Home Depot if you need a little hardware,
the laundromat if you need to wash your clothes or sleeping bag, and all local hotels if camping just isn’t your thing.

If you haven’t signed up yet, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t been before I think you will have an enjoyable time and will make some new friends.
See you there!