A New Field for the PCC
Alonzo Richardson poses by a sign dedicating the field in his name.
The Peninsula Channel Commanders flying group has quickly rebounded from the loss of its Half Moon Bay flying field at the end of October.
George Golda, a member of the club, asked John Giusti, a Half Moon Bay farmer, if he had any land that he might be willing to lease to the group.
John said yes.
The club is still working out the deal, but the prognosis is sufficiently favorable that the club invited members to look at the field on Sunday.
It’s a good-looking flying site, bigger and far less hazardous than our last Half Moon Bay site. No cliffs, no ocean, no ravines.
Perfect Weather. Sunday was a picture-postcard day, clear and surprisingly warm.
About 20 PCC members came out to look at the field, chat and to fly some airplanes.
Many of these guys fly big planes that need runways for landings and takeoffs. The new field doesn’t yet have a proper long runway, but it’s already good for planes that are light enough for hand launching or short-run takeoffs and landings.
Measuring Noise. Marco Pinto, a former president of the PCC, used a sound meter to check out noise levels for various planes and helicopters, since noise may be an issue for nearby landowners.
Dennis Lowry, a PCC member who is spearheading the search for a permanent field, proposed that we name the site Richardson Field to honor 91-year-old Alonzo Richardson.
Bomb Squadron. A colorful and amusing storyteller, Alonzo was a Captain in the 451st Bomb Squadron during World War II. The field is also dedicated to the 111 men of the squadron killed during the war.
Alonzo, dressed smartly in tan slacks and a light jacket, dropped by to look at the field and catch up with old friends.
He seemed pleased with the site.
I walked out to the Richardson Field sign with him and snapped some pictures.
Trying it Out. Then, just to say I’d flown at the new field, I flew one of my combat wings. Larry Smith joined me in the air, and we chased each other around a bit, enjoying the perfect weather and the hill-framed vista.
It’s good to find another place to fly. 
It sure was nice to find that the proposed new field site looked so good. It was a very satisfying day. Good looking new site, great weather, good friends.
It was a really nice day and it could be a great field.
Wow…that’s great news! Thanks for the story and pictures Pete.
Don
Looks like a great field!
The land looks like it slopes up from the flight line – I predict an orientation learning curve as in “The ground reached up and smote him from the sky”
Or lots low passes with the associated expletives.
Just another interesting challenge. I wish I lived there.
Gary
Looks good. How did the sound tests come out?