Tuscon Shootout - Shipping Planes

[twostroke]

Hi, my name is Tom Arnold (Seth Arnold's dad) and Seth's intent is to hopefully fly at Tuscon this year for the shootout. Being a truck driver by trade (owner operator - I have my own truck and trailer) I was planning on getting a load to the Tucson area from Ohio and take Seth's plane with me. After much thought and a phone call to Brian at DA, I wanted to get some feedback on how many people would have a need to get their planes shipped to the shootout and brought back east afterward? Brian said that he could make accomodations for the trailer to stay at the shootout the whole time. In thinking about this, I would try and have 3 pick up points, maybe one in New Jersey, Ohio, and central US where I could meet people and haul their stuff to Tuscon. I am planning on keeping the trailer at the field the whole time where those pilots could use my trailer to pit out of and use it to keep inside at night or if weather gets bad. Depending on amount of space, I could also take extra equipment, tools, even golf carts etc. After the shootout is over, the pilots could recrate their planes and I would head back east, making the three pick up points as drop off points. I have a 53' dry van trailer and all air ride equipment. I also have plenty of straps, load locks, moving pads and even walking ramps to enter and exit the trailer. If enough pilots were interested, the round trip rate could be rather cheap. Thinking 10 planes at $500 each for the round trip and use of the trailer at the field for the duration of the shootout would be a starting ball park. If many more planes then 10 , the rate could go way down. Give me some feedback and let me know if this would interest anyone. Once your plane would be picked up, it would remain in my trailer exactly where it was loaded until you met me at Tucson. This would be a dedicated truck for strictly shootout freight and nothing else. I will be hauling Seth's stuff as well. Let me know what you think.

Regards,

Tom Arnold

[TheTank]

Tom, I might be interested in this option, especially if you did a pickup in NJ. I have been wondering how I am going to get my plane out to Tucson if I qualify, and shipping it via forward air is scaring me with all of the horror stories I have been hearing lately.

[madmax]

Tom, this is a very cool offer for the community, thanks sir!

As a point of ref, check this page out: http://www.desertaircraft.com/shooto...gory=Sportsman

Flip through the competition classes and note the location of the pilots. Buncho guys from your neck of the woods.

[twostroke]

If alot of pilots need this service, I could get the rate down for each person so it would cost a small amount. If we could get 20 planes we could get the rate down around $250 per plane for the round trip.


I would be willing to let anyone park their trailers/vehicles here at my home so they could deliver their planes to me and then jump on a flight from Columbus, Dayton, or Cincy Ohio and fly to Tuscon. This would be another option. Also if anyone else had any ideas or suggestions, please let me know. Hopefully we can put something together for everyone. I know it's early but nothing like getting organized.

Regards,

Tom

[babflyer]

I could possibly be in on that Tom. I haven't heard much about what people are doing yet but I sure dont want to drive out by myself! I was thinking that us NC guys should try and get organized on who all is going and how and hopefully those that dont know how yet could possibly team up in some way.

[jwilliams]

WOW, that is quite an offer you are making. I am sure you will get plenty to take you up on it. Also try this email link as it posts to NCFR NCmembers_IMAC@yahoogroups.com but you need to be subscribed. If you are not most NC boys (and a few gals, sorry had to include Marian) are subscribed to run your generous offer.
Jeff Williams

[Mithrandir]

Make a pass thru Florida and I know someone who could use reliable and safe transportation of planes WITHOUT 800 pound boxes put on top!!!

	Quote: Originally Posted by twostroke
	Hi, my name is Tom Arnold (Seth Arnold's dad) and Seth's intent is to hopefully fly at Tuscon this year for the shootout. Being a truck driver by trade (owner operator - I have my own truck and trailer) I was planning on getting a load to the Tucson area from Ohio and take Seth's plane with me. After much thought and a phone call to Brian at DA, I wanted to get some feedback on how many people would have a need to get their planes shipped to the shootout and brought back east afterward? Brian said that he could make accomodations for the trailer to stay at the shootout the whole time. In thinking about this, I would try and have 3 pick up points, maybe one in New Jersey, Ohio, and central US where I could meet people and haul their stuff to Tuscon. I am planning on keeping the trailer at the field the whole time where those pilots could use my trailer to pit out of and use it to keep inside at night or if weather gets bad. Depending on amount of space, I could also take extra equipment, tools, even golf carts etc. After the shootout is over, the pilots could recrate their planes and I would head back east, making the three pick up points as drop off points. I have a 53' dry van trailer and all air ride equipment. I also have plenty of straps, load locks, moving pads and even walking ramps to enter and exit the trailer. If enough pilots were interested, the round trip rate could be rather cheap. Thinking 10 planes at $500 each for the round trip and use of the trailer at the field for the duration of the shootout would be a starting ball park. If many more planes then 10 , the rate could go way down. Give me some feedback and let me know if this would interest anyone. Once your plane would be picked up, it would remain in my trailer exactly where it was loaded until you met me at Tucson. This would be a dedicated truck for strictly shootout freight and nothing else. I will be hauling Seth's stuff as well. Let me know what you think. Regards, Tom Arnold

[JAS]

And I'd join in too from FL

[Wayne]

Tom,

Awesome idea.
I am sure there will be plenty of people who will want to use this service.

[E-MO]

If it's a refer all the much better your planes delivered in a climate controlled environment.bad ass. good on ya driver

[Tired Old Man]

As one who has done a lot of truckin' before I can say that ya'll that can take advantage of this offer for shipping should do so. At the rates Mr. Arnold is offerering he's not turning any profit, just paying for fuel and equipment, perhaps less than that.

Mr. Arnold, it's damn nice of you to make this offer. I certainly hope that all who can take advantage of it do so. Their's will be the planes they don't have to worry about or repair at either end of the trip. Hat's off and my respect to those that are still owner/operators!

[klhoard]

.
Sounds like an opportunity for a 52' Flying Giants sticker!!
.

[twostroke]

Just an update of sorts. I had three more people hit me up at the NATS for transportation to Tuscon so that make 5 planes so far. Still short of what I need to do it but many people interested. I could make a swing through Florida but that will obviously cost more money. If someone could organize a pick up point in Florida and had several planes, Florida could be a possibility. Keep the pms coming and let me know what you have and I will keep this thread updated as more join in. Like I said, the more planes the cheaper it can be done. Also, I would definately be open to any company that wanted to screen print their name, logos, etc. on my trailer. It will be a huge billboard sitting at Tuscon! This could also help make the price cheaper for the pilots.

Thanks,

Tom

[Dan_nO]

A rolling 53 foot Flying Giants bill board going across the United States, would be neat to see how many that may be out would see it along the way making the trip.

Tom, count me in and add Brendan to the list to occupy a spot please sir.

Im gonna start looking tonight at motels and air fare packages for Bren, myself and Seth.

Any of you that are planning on going and having to get a motel and also fly, some of the motels that are considered more of a vacation do offer as I seen a vacation package with motel and air fare and also rental car....i looked and priced things seperate and from what i glanced at it was a LOT cheaper if you could find a package deal.

Will let ya know what I find out Tom.

[twostroke]

It would really be neat if a company could sponser the whole trip to make it free for the pilots. That would be awesome as well. I know this would be a big commitment but could be a big promotional deal for everyone - a win win of sorts.

Thanks Danno, I have you down for Brenden's plane - would that be 1 or 2 planes?

Tom