[MRCA] MRCA Mini Meet Photos

[Clarke, Tom AIR4.0P NATOPS]

Hi Breck,

Sure looks like you guys had a great time!

Regarding the airport-less rotating beacon - This was probably left over from the old pre-WW2 "Lighted Airway" system. These were replaced by the four course radio beacons, and then the currently used VOR system.

See http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Government_Role/navigation/POL13.htm

I just returned from a trip through Wyoming, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho and Utah and saw several of those towers out in the middle of the prairie.  Some still had the rotating beacon and course alignment lights (green spotlights that aligned with the airway) and some were just lonely towers.  There is only one actually in operation, and it is maintained for historical purposes.  It is in Great Falls, Montana.  Another has been restored in Oak Ridge, TN, but I don't think it is lighted.

That's probably more than you wanted to know!

73 de Tom/W4OKW
Across the Bay in Southern MD.