On October 7-8, 2017 the Minden Tahoe Airport hosted an Aviation Roundup (Extravaganza) with the Air Force Thunderbirds as the headline event. In two days 31,000 aviation minded folks came through the gates! Perlan Project had our simulator available for those who wanted to see how it would feel to be at the controls of Perlan 2 thanks to Tim Gardner. And we had our mockup available for youngsters to build a dream of soaring. Thanks to Bobbi Thompson, airport manager, and Laurie Harden-Ricardi, SoaringNV, for letting Perlan in and finding a place for our equipment. (The actual Perlan 2 was still on a boat sailing north.)
The crowd was very appreciative of the Perlan project stickers, the large photos from our Argentina high altitude flight, and the complexities of what it takes to claim a world record. But the youngsters really wanted to know how it felt to sit in the glider and look out the tiny windows. The Perlan goal to motivate and inspire young minds was clearly attained. Jim talked with folks non-stop for two days (except lunch). Morgan, Sandra, Tim, Reba, Alan, Stewart, Elizabeth and I also answered questions for hours. Laurie and Silvio guided anyone with questions our way. It was a fabulous celebration of all things aviation. Perlan Soars High! Jackie
