IN ATTENDANCE: Dennis Crawley, Troy Grover, David Kopeschka, Steve Kopeschka, Glen Matejcek, Dirk Melchior, Doug Moncreiff, Michael Mossman, Mark Rinehart, Kim Shumaker and Paul Vogel. If you were there but we didn't record it, let us know.
At the January meeting I said I would not be at the February meeting as I planned to be in Florida. How wrong I was! That phone call I received on January 10 has kept us very occupied. My daughter hs been in, out and now back in the hospital in FWA. This next Tuesday (February 7), it will have been a week. Anne is finally starting to show improvement, which is very encouraging to us. I'm writing this column from the waiting room for the coronary intensive care unit at Lutheran Hospital in FWA on Sunday, the 5th. I want to give Dave Clark a big thank you for the special mission he did for Faye and me this past Thursday, February 2. I also want to thank Dennis Crawley for doing the chapter meeting on the first.
I am way behind what has been happening around Indy, aviation-wise this past month. In the NE corner of the state, aviation is improving, especially at DeKalb County Airport. DeKalb County has a group of county commissioners that are all aviation minded. That is very unusual. They are looking to make positive changes to the airport, helping both corporate and general aviation. Even the old antiques and homebuilt aircraft are welcome! Can that be said aound Indianapolis, where BAA is involved?
EAA Vintage Chapter 37 (with members from NE Indiana, southern Michigan and northwestern Ohio) has been offered a 50 x 100 ft. hangar for its activities. The cost of the lease is low when compared to the rental fees currently in effect around Indy.
The Smith Field problems are still there, contrary to the word put out last year. They need to give the current FBO more than a monthly lease. You can't do things to build a business if you don't know if you will be there from one month to the next.
I did not get this completed on "Super Bowl Sunday," so now it is Friday, the 10th. I am still at the hospital where Anne is still recovering. She did give us a couple of scary moments, but the outlook is good now.
Getting back to aviation items again, last Tuesday, February 7, USA Today newspaper in the Money Section (section B) had an article about the new regional jets that the airlines are putting into service. The article is about United Airlines and their 66-to-70-seat passenger aircraft. People today think these are small aircraft. Remember the BAC1-11 and the first DC9-10? They were 69-to-70-seat planes. They were comfortable with plenty of room for baggage and cargo. Now the planes have to accommodate people with the laptop computers, too. There was a time when all these electronic gadgets were not allowed, due to the perceived thought that they could possibly cause interference with the aircraft's navigation equipment. One guy was commenting about the beverage and meal service. Here is the quote: "Several times, they did not have any wine, or only one beer left, and no food except for their premium nut mix." He should have been around when you survived all day on either water or stale coffee and Lorna Doones. Today the American traveling public is just plain spoiled!
Here is a good stock tip: Buy stock in the companies that make scissors. It seems the public, when they fly commercial, keep trying to carry on prohibited items and the airport security checkpoints keep taking them away. People just don't pay attention or learn, so the circle goes 'round and 'round.
I'm planning to be at the March 1 meeting. See you all then.
Gus
IN ATTENDANCE: Dennis Crawley, Troy Grover, David Kopeschka, Steve Kopeschka, Glen Matejcek, Dirk Melchior, Doug Moncreiff, Michael Mossman, Mark Rinehart, Kim Shumaker and Paul Vogel. If you were there but we didn't record it, let us know.
GUESTS: John Broyles, Charles Cates and Mark Rottler.
COMMENTS: Dennis Crawley said that there is a boycott of Pepsi products because the put the Pledge of allegiance on the cans without the phrase "under God."
Gus Gustafson is either in Florida for his usual winter vacation or in Fort Wayne to take of their ailing daughter.
Crawley also asked if the chapter needed name tags, as we see some of the members just once a month or so. Michael Mossman mentioned that photos of the members are available on the chapter website.
NEW BUSINESS: Kim Shumaker gave a report on the meeting concerning the proposed re-zoning of the land surrounding Hendricks County Airport. See "Hendricks County Airport News." Michael Mossman gave a report on the status of the Jump School attempting to locate at Boone County Airport. See "Boone County Airport News."
TREASURER'S REPORT: Michael Mossman gave a brief summary of the chapter's finances, as treasurer Vern Sullenger is on vacation.
ROUND TABLE: Dennis Crawley a brief roundtable introduction of the members, allowing each to speak about their aviation interests and projects.
PROGRAM: After the business portion of the meeting, those in attendance went to Troy Grover's RV Builder's Assistance business just north of the airport. Pizza and soft drinks were served. See story at end of newsletter.
John Broyles joined the chapter at the February meeting. John recently retired from Delta Airlines, where he worked for 31 years. He considers himself semi-retired, as he works part time as a handyman at a pet kennel. He is now attending Vincennes University and is enrolled in the A&P program. John doesn't have a project, yet, but his does have a private pilot's license and is interested in getting back into flying. John and his wife, Anita, live in Plainfield.
Mark Rottler also signed up at the February meeting. Mark is a resident of Indiana and owns a networking company. He and his father started talking about building and airplane, attended Oshkosh and are now getting serious about starting a project. Mark and his wife, Alana, live in Plainfield.
We have had many guests over the past few months and many people have expressed an interest in our organization. Look around and see if you have any friends, family members or acquaintance that are interested in aviation. Take the time to invite them as a guest to the next meeting. If you see somebody new, introduce yourself, welcome him or her, and invite them to sign up.
To get a downloadable PDF membership application see http://www.eaa1311.org/PDF_files/membership_application.pdf
Dues are Due!
Chapter 1311 On the Web
The website has its officers listed as the main contacts for the chapter. The meeting schedule and location is published for people who may be new to the chapter.
For those of us who don't see the others on a regular basis, we have a chapter roster with mug shot photos. Didn't know who you were talking to at the meeting? Check them out at the web site! We also have phone numbers and email addresses for contacting other members. Some members prefer to keep this information private so we respect that.
We have a list of homebuilders' resources, such as FAA forms and publications available online.
All chapter newsletters are archived on the website as a printer-friendly PDF file. Each month the newsletter gets posted on the site within a couple days of the email newsletter publication. New this year is an HTML version of the newsletter. Simply click the link and view the newsletter in your web browser.
The site has an extensive list of aviation-related links for your convenience.
Do you have a business? The web site has a page with member-owned businesses for your quick reference.
Fossett's Emergency Landing Culminates 'Ultimate Flight'
Thus, the plan that hatched on AeroShell Square at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2005 by Fossett and Virgin Atlantic Chairman Sir Richard Branson has finally come to pass.
But it wasn't without some unscripted maneuvering at the end. About 45 minutes before his scheduled landing, Fossett declared a May Day when he lost his generator.
"I was starting my descent into (Kent) International up at 40,000 feet and I pulled back the power and the generator light came on," he explained at his post-flight press conference. "As pilots, we know that's really serious. If you don't have a generator, all you have for electrical power is what you have in your battery, and that will last you about 25 minutes. So I had to get the plane on the ground."
Easier said than done, however; ice had accumulated on the canopy blocking his visibility and there wasn't time to fly at a lower altitude to remove it. Fossett quickly phoned mission control and spoke to chief engineer Jon Karkow, who helped him speed up the checklist to work through everything that needed to be done. Then London Center (ATC) offered Fossett a choice of locations and he decided on Bournemouth.
"I'd flown in there before, also it was downwind, so I went on that and got there, made the landing just in time, because I was also running out of fuel, barely enough to complete the trip." Fossett blew both main tires on touchdown, just to add to everything else. "It was too exciting of a finish."
Several hours earlier Saturday, Fossett and his team made the decision to continue across the Atlantic rather than turn back after calculating that there was enough fuel and ample tail winds to complete the flight.
"There were many obstacles to overcome from the moment I took off from Kennedy Space Center, from the challenging take off, difficult cockpit conditions for the early part of the flight, severe turbulence over India, and constant concerns over the weakness of the jet streams due to the less than favorable weather patterns around the world. But never during all of this would I have believed that 45 minutes out of Kent I would be in an emergency situation the like of which I have rarely experienced before.
"I was so elated when I passed over Shannon, the final waypoint, and realized that I had broken a record that for such a long time I have dreamt of, that I could not have predicted the drama that was to follow before I could enjoy the moment!"
Vincennes University Offers Retirees Free Classes
Vincennes University offers the entire F.A.A. Part 147 Airframe and Powerplant Certification courses. The classes can be taken individually or combined to meet a student's individual requirements. Each class is offered during a four-week period at the Aviation Technology Center at the Indianapolis International Airport.
Classes offered are Piston Engine Overhaul, Airframe Electrical, Ignition Systems, Fuel Metering Systems, Sheet Metal, Powerplant Electrical, Propellers, and Assembly & Rigging.
Recent retiree and student, now an A&P graduate, Dave Clark, is serving as a spokesman for the program. Clark is made himself available to other EAA chapters to talk about the program and tell them about his personal experiences earning his A&P license.
For more information on the program contact J.R. Means at 1-317-381-6040 or visit VU's ATC website at http://www.aviationtechcenter.com
Warbird Airshow At BAK - Oct. '07
The proposal is only tentative at this time as there are a number of "approvals" and other details that must be worked out before it is an official plan.
For those of you who attend the Indy Air Show each year, this is the group which organizes the military displays up there.
There is more information available on their website: www.victorydays.org
As the planning for this event firms up, we'll keep you updated via the newsletter.
AirVenture 2006 Welcomes CAF's B-29 and B-24
EAA AirVenture 2006, the 54th annual convention of the Experimental Aircraft Association, welcome the airplanes from the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) as part of its "Ghost Squadron," based in Midland, Texas. The B-29 "Fifi" and LB-30 "Diamond Lil" are extremely rare flying examples of these aircraft models, which played significant roles during that conflict.
The two airplanes are scheduled to arrive on Monday, July 24 (EAA AirVenture's opening day) and remain throughout the event's duration. While at EAA AirVenture, the two airplanes will be parked on the main AeroShell Square showcase ramp. The LB-30 was part of EAA AirVenture's salute to the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II last year, while the B-29 makes its first appearance at Oshkosh since 1995. The B-29 was scheduled to appear at AirVenture 2005 until mechanical difficulties prevented that visit.
The Boeing B-29 "Superfortress" is perhaps best known as the aircraft from which the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945. "Fifi" is the world's only airworthy example of the B-29, which was designed as a replacement for the older B-17s and B-24s, with longer range and greater bomb loads. It was first flown in 1942 and began active service in 1944. The B-29 was also used in the Korean War in the early 1950s and was a staple of the U.S. Air Force until jet bombers began to appear in the 1950s.
The Consolidated LB-30 is one of the earliest models of the famed B-24 "Liberator" bomber and the oldest of the only two or three airworthy examples of this airplane that still exist. It was built in 1940 and purchased by Great Britain before the start of that nation's Lend-Lease program with the United States - hence, the LB-30 designation as Consolidated's 30th model in its Land Bomber series. More than 18,000 of the LB-30/B-24 model were produced.
FAA Posts Online ADIZ, TFR and Special Use Airspace Course
By raising pilot awareness, the FAA aims to drastically reduce the most common reasons for DC ADIZ violations: (a) pilots unaware of the DC ADIZ boundaries; (b) "early rollover" from the discrete code to VFR; (c) pilots unaware of the DC ADIZ; and (d) forgetting to set the transponder to Mode C (ALT).
Also discussed are Prohibited and Restricted areas; Special Use areas, SFARs, Emergency Air Traffic Rules, military intercept procedures, and information sources for checking the most current airspace information.
A 25-question, multiple-choice quiz concludes the course. When completed, pilots receive a certificate of completion as well as a wallet-sized card they can print to carry with them as required by recent legislation. Handy, kneeboard-sized DC ADIZ procedures guides (in PDF format) are also provided that pilots can download and print for easy reference when operating around this airspace.
Visit the site now at http://www.faasafety.gov/. You will be required to register before taking the course.
An ADIZ Analogy
Because of the Oklahoma City truck bombing, a rule is passed that everyone within 75 miles of the city must place a call for every car trip they make and give their name, car make, license plate, what time they will be leaving, exactly where they are going.
You will be given a number which you must write on a card and display in the window for your entire drive. You will be given a time you can leave, and what roads you are to follow. You will need to call a traffic cop on your cell phone. They will tell you when you are okay to enter that 75 miles, and then you will talk to them for the entire drive, including following any new instructions.
Now... If you take a wrong turn, fail to display the card properly, fail to follow the traffic cop's instructions, you lose cell phone coverage, or any of a whole host of other things occur; you can lose your drivers license, and possibly be arrested. If your cell phone signal fades, the traffic cop gives confusing or contradictory instructions, or a little dirt or sun glare makes the card hard to read, that is entirely your problem to correct or deal with the consequences.
If you drive a motorcycle and can't figure a way to mount the card or hear the cell phone over the motor and wind noise, that is your problem.
If you get really lost and blunder into the wrong neighborhood, they might blow up your car with you in it.
You will have to do this everywhere you go, even if you pull into the street to let your spouse out of the driveway. This is for every single-destination trip. If you are running errands, you must treat each leg as a separate trip.
Good luck dealing with them if you plan to depart or arrive anywhere that doesn't have a traditional driveway or parking lot. All skateboards, scooters, sleds, wagons, bicycles and tricycles are prohibited within that 75 mile radius.
Trucks are still allowed right up to the front of the office buildings.
Sounds pretty silly, huh? Welcome to our world.
Aviation on the Web
An excerpt:
"Feb 27th
"Bobby Gibbs went to base this morning and came back this evening with W/C Chapman. Lew Spence went to base for a week.
"Doctor from 450 came over tonight and put me off flying for tomorrow. There were fifty plus enemy fighters in the area where we scrapped."
Obviously, this is not the kind of writing that's been polished after the fact. No journalistic license has been taken. It's a writing that's real, raw and immediate. Murray Thompson has included a couple dozen black and white photos, taken either by his father, squadron mates or other military sources.
Check out the site and bookmark the page. You'll want to come back and read the again and again.
Building Tip
The goofy little prop adjustment gauges that you get with some propellers are just about useless. And the Warp Drive universal prop protractors are difficult to position accurately on the propeller blades with any repeatability. Try making this handy prop protractor bracket from a piece of scrap plexiglass or lexan. It's very easy to make. Add a little spirit level, and now you can accurately set the protractor to the prop blade without needing any external tools or other reference points. Here's how to build it:
For plans on the Propeller Wrench and the Prop Protractor Bracket download them at www.mossmansite.com Click on the link for Drawings, then scroll down to Tools and select Propeller Tools.
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2006 edition of the Zenair News
Members With the 'Right Stuff'
Support Our Servicemen
SERVICEMAN UPDATE NEEDED: In December of 2002 Jim Griffin joined Chapter 1311. Shortly before the war with Iraq started Jim signed back up as a Major with the Marines and has been serving in Iraq. He had been receiving the newsletter via email but this past couple of months the emails to him have come back as undeliverable. If anyone knows how to contact Jim, or knows of his whereabouts or of any way to track him down, please contact the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie@tds.net.
Hendricks County Airport News
Boone County Airport News
There are just a few hangar vacancies available. Anyone desiring to base an aircraft at the airport or use the maintenance hangar will be required to join the association. For more information contact Michael Mossman, association secretary, or see the website http://www.booneairport.org. Rents range from $75 to $110 per month for "open air" hangars, with a one-time $100 application fee required to join. Benefits include access to the maintenance hangar, right to bring in your own mechanic to do your annual or repairs, use of the operations building and a steady supply of low-cost 100 LL (currently about $3.20 per gallon).
Young Eagles
This hour of discussion is enjoyed by aviation enthusiasts - both young and old - as they are able to ask questions and receive live answers.
Chuck Long is organizing a Young Eagles event the morning of the Boone County Airport's open house on Saturday, June 17. Volunteers are needed for flying and ground support. Contact Chuck at charles.long@GM.com.
EAA Young Eagles Update: By newsletter publication date more than 1,205,323 Young Eagles have taken their first airplane ride.
Editorial Comments Sought
Newsletter Participation Needed
Calendar of Events
For details on EAA Chapter fly-ins and other local aviation events, visit http://www.eaa.org/events
Special note: There are many events that don't get on the calendar due to various reasons, but the most common is that the information never got to the newsletter editor. If you know of an event that should be listed here please notify the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie@tds.net as soon as possible. Try to provide as much information as you can, including the date, location and who to contact for more information.
Next Meeting
On the Radar:
Chapter 1311 Board of Directors for 2006
Newsletter editor: Michael Mossman
Classified Ads
FOR SALE: Custom composite 6.24"-wide panel flush-mount for Garmin GPS 296 or 396, $75 Contact Larry Rush k9hxt@sbcglobal.net
FOR SALE: O-470 engine. Contact Bob Vondersaar bobandteresa78@msn.com for details.
FOR SALE: Four sets of very nice Koss headphones. Contact Michael Mossman michaelandkatie@tds.net for details or to make offer. Proceeds benefit Chapter 1311.
FOR SALE: Three lighted and adjustable "flight desks" for aircraft installation. Contact Michael Mossman michaelandkatie@tds.net for details or to make offer. Proceeds benefit Chapter 1311.
FOR SALE: Stinson L-5 Landing gear Struts. Contact Kenny Shull 317-539-5542.
AIRCRAFT WANTED: Sport Pilot aircraft. Contact Gus Gustafson at 317-293-4430 or dalefaye@msn.com
AIRCRAFT FOR SALE: Cessna 150, currently in Florida. Contact Gus Gustafson at 317-293-4430 or dalefaye@msn.com
AIRCRAFT FOR SALE: 1962 Cessna Skylane 182E. For more information download PDF http://www.eaa1311.org/PDF_files/allen_182e.pdf or contact Bill Allen, 765-342-4402, aba@insightbb.com
WANTED TO BUY: Hirth 2702 engine with a 2.59 G-50 reduction unit. Contact Doug Moncreiff at 317-280-1621 or cmoncreiff@netzero.net
WANTED TO BUY: Used 4-foot brake and 4-foot shear. Contact Troy Grover, 317-919-6594 (cell phone), rv6grover@netzero
WANTED TO BUY: Headsets and intercom. Contact Mark Rinehart, 317-745-2466, capt_riney@yahoo.com
AIRCRAFT FOR SALE: 1967 Skyhawk. For more information download PDF http://www.eaa1311.org/PDF_files/weir_skyhawk.pdf or contact Tom Weir at jtweir@frontiernet.net
2006 Membership Roster
2005 Members
Did we miss anybody? Please let us know; we'll get it updated right away.
Aviation Humor
"Aircraft 273 landed in Kuwait tankering 92,000 of fuel, fuel temperature about -35 (celcius) degrees. 57,000 pounds of fuel was added, fuel temperature about +5 degrees. Number 3-fuel temperature read ambient temp at 5 degrees. But I surmise after fueling the combined fuel temperature was about -25 degrees. As a result, the aircraft accumulated very heavy frost on the upper and lower surface.
"I informed maintenance I would require deice. When deicing was complete I asked what type of fluid and starting time, as this was active frost. I was informed I was deiced with water from a fire truck. WATER FROM A FIRE TRUCK. About a hundred gallons.
"There was every geological formation of ice know to man on that airplane. The lower surface was particularly interesting; it was a mosaic of twisted ice snakes and stalactites. Considering the thermal inertial of 21 thousand gallons of super cooled fuel these ice formations would have been preserved for days.
"I immediately had a conversation with RK. Come to find out this fire truck water deice procedure was approved by maintenance control in Kuwait. Apparently World is above applying the procedures in the approved ground deice manual.
This resulted in a 5 hour 15 minute delay, with passengers on board. The aircraft had to be deiced and dried with ground heaters.
"I think we need a full investigation and hearing into this matter."
Contributed by Glen Matejcek (no, he was not a participant in the above debacle but his source claims that it is true)
February's Program
Webster's RV-8 has accumulated about 1,200 building hours. Webster wanted a lot of professional oversight as he built his project, so he's done nearly all of his building in Grov-Air's facilities. LaBarreare had done quite a bit of his work before moving to the shop.
Webster's airplane is being equipped with a Dynon EFIS D10A, Garmin 430, TruTrak 2-axis autopilot and a Superior 195-h.p. IO-360 engine turning a Hartzell constant speed Blended Airfoil propeller. Special features include Grove Gear and an inverted oil system for aerobatic flight. One of the custom modifications is a thicker forward windsheld that slopes further forward. The paint scheme has not been selected yet, but once it is, GLO Custom Paints in Texas is going to do the work.
Webster is an ATP for American Airlines, flying 777s. He is going to relegate the first test flight to Troy.
Once Webster's plane leaves the shop, an RV-10 is due in around June, along with an RV-10. Following that, yet another RV-8 is coming sometime in July or August. He has a bit of space left to rent for those who need some occasional help, but if a builder needs full-time assistance, he's booked up until July 2007.
Troy is developing an empennage class; his first student is John Ogle. After that one gets rolling he hopes to follow with a basic Composites class. He's had some requests to start an avionics class, too.
In addition to teaching his RV skills classes, Troy is teaching an Introduction to Composites class at Purdue University on Thursday evenings from 6 to 10:50 p.m., and has been enjoying the experience.
So far, Troy has helped finish four airplanes: his RV-6, his father's prize-winning RV-8, and RV-4 and an RV-8A, along with the bits and pieces of assistance that he given to other projects along the way.
Typically, he's spending about 40 to 50 hours per week on the business, plus the teaching at Purdue and a bit more for the occasional annuals and condition inspections. Andrea is kicking in about 20 to 30 hours per week on the business, too.
Troy has an RV-10 in progress. He's completed the empennage and started the wings but hasn't gotten much further because of it commitments to other projects. They are trying to schedule one evening a week to work on it, but so far they've been spending more time building the business.
For more information on Grov-Air see the February 2005 newsletter http://www.eaa1311.org/newsletters/050201_newsletter.pdf
For information on his RV-10 see the June 2004 newsletter http://www.eaa1311.org/newsletters/040601_newsletter.pdf
For more information on Grov-Air visit their web site at http://www.grov-air.com
EAA Chapter 1311's dues for 2006 are now due. Send your $10 to the treasurer, Vern Sullenger, 1763 Ramsey Lane, Plainfield IN 46168 317-839-8728. Thanks!
Chapter 1311 has many valuable resources for its members, one of which is the website.
EAA e-Hotline
February 12, 2006 - EAA member Steve Fossett's "Ultimate Flight" concluded dramatically Saturday when an electrical failure on board the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer forced him to cut short his record-breaking flight by about 100 miles. Fossett executed the difficult emergency landing at Bournemouth, England, at 1707 UTC (11:07 a.m. CT) after flying 26,389.3 miles in 76 hours, 45 minutes to establish a new world record for a non-stop, unrefueled flight. He originally planned to land at Kent International Airport.
Vincennes University is offering to Indiana resident retirees free tuition for its aviation maintenance classes. The program, known as the Senior Scholars Remission of Tuition Program, requires that participants be an Indiana resident, be at least 60 years of age at time of enrollment, have a high school diploma or GED and not be working on a full-time basis. The student participant is still responsible for books, laboratory and activity fees.
An organization of aviation enthusiasts and military re-enactors based in Central Indiana has proposed sponsoring a World War II themed airshow and encampment at Columbus Municipal Airport in October 2007.
Thanks to Mike Foushee, EAA Chapter 729 (Columbus IN) newsletter editor
Condensed from EAA e-Hotline, January 13, 2006
Two of the greatest airplanes from the World War II era, the Boeing B-29 and Consolidated LB-30 (B-24), will be present at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006 as The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration takes place July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Condensed from EAA e-Hotline
In response to congressional pressure that the FAA issue special regulations requiring pilots who fly within 10 miles of Washington, D.C., to successfully complete a training course on navigating the D.C. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), the FAA posted a free online course to the FAA Safety Program website titled "Navigating the DC ADIZ, TFRs, and Special Use Airspace." The eight-chapter course aims to help pilots understand different kinds of flight restrictions and special use airspaces, with a special emphasis on requirements and procedures for the ADIZ, the Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ), and security-based temporary flight restrictions (TFRs).
The following scenario which I received via email provides an excellent picture (in terms the general public can understand) of the sad situation which has developed since 9-11.
Thanks to Mike Foushee, EAA Chapter 729 (Columbus IN) newsletter editor
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Next time you are rummaging about on the internet, waiting for better flying weather to return, and want to read about World War II first hand, check out the web site "Neil Smith's 3 Squadron History," found at http://www.3squadron.org.au. One particularly fascinating link is http://www.3squadron.org.au/thompson.htm, which is the daily diary of Australian Flight Sgt Brian M. Thompson D.F.M (later Flying Officer). A few years after Thompson died in 1982, his family found his hand-written account of his personal experiences flying during the war. His son, Murray Thompson, carefully transcribed the account and added it to the website.
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"We were called to do a standby at about ten o'clock and at about twenty minutes past eleven we were scrambled with 450 over El Adem and then sent to intercept an enemy formation which we could see bombing Tobruk. There were six of us and I was leading black section. When the "Tally Ho" was given, I looked up and saw five 109's above us and when the others started to dive, I climbed away to the left into the sun and tried to get above and in the sun, but the five 109's saw me and turned and climbed with me toward the sun and then started attacking me. I think I got the third, and later I probably got another. I must have been fighting the five of them for about half an hour and eventually managed to pair up with Reg Pfeiffer and we came home. Three of them followed us to between Gambut and El Adem but didn't attack. Dick Hart bailed out and Roger Jenning was shot down and crash-landed being believed killed.
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"450 sqd also lost one, Sgt Gray, and another crash-landed and returned. Hart got back about nine o'clock tonight. I "cracked" when I got back, and was taken to the doc at 450, but came good again after a while. Never thought I would get out of it.
Contributed by Sam Turner
Propeller Adjustment
Here something for the owners of the very small airplanes and ultralights: Setting a ground adjustable propeller can be a pain if you don't have the right tools. Fortunately, the best tools are rather low cost and easy to make.
Make a simple propeller wrench from a piece of hardwood. In the center of the board cut an oversize slot that fits the propeller blade profile, then line it with some foam weather stirp to protect the blades. Slip it over the prop blade; you'll find that twisting a blade into position is pretty darn easy.
Replace the clamp strap of the prop protractor with a simple piece of angle aluminum or plastic. Screw it down so it is tight and flush. Take a piece of lexan or other plastic and make a piece that matches the part of the CGS prop gauge that slides over the propeller blade. You could even use that same piece from the CGS prop adjustment gauge. Rivet that piece to the angle that you attached to the universal prop protractor. Add one more little bracket to hold a spirit level (I bought one at Harbor Freight for one dollar). Now you can simply slip the prop protractor onto your blade(s) and be assured that it will be in the same location and same relative angle for each blade that you adjust.
Recently, Chapter 1311 has had several new members join who have expressed an interest in learning to fly, building an aircraft, partnering in an existing aircraft, or were looking for a Tech Counselor or other aviation-related service or skill. While the newsletter editor knows most of you he doesn't know all about you. We'd like to offer to our members to opportunity for more of you to network with the new members and make your skills known.
Be sure let the newsletter editor know if any of our members or their families has someone in the service, especially if they have been called up for active duty. We'd like to recognize them and thank them for representing us so honorably.
By Kim Shumaker
Members of three boards were represented at an informational meeting regarding proposed re-zoning of the area surrounding the Hendricks County Airport. Representatives from the town of Danville, Hendricks County and the Indianapolis Airport Authority were present to discuss the importance of the airport to Hendricks County as well as the surrounding towns. In order to protect the airport from encroachment and make it a viable resource for the area's development, there will be several square miles of the land surrounding the airport re-zoned for light industrial and commercial uses. Several landowners that live in the affected area were present and expressed views that were against the re-zoning as well as several people with business interests that were for the re-zoning. Supposedly, the re-zoning will not prevent land owners from reselling their land or even dividing and selling parcels of property but it will prevent developers from buying large tracts of land for the purpose of creating housing developments that would threaten the airport with encroachment.
Jump Indy is continuing with its plans to locate at Boone County Airport. The operation may have run into a snag, though, as the airport owners do not yet know if they are willing to accept the additional liability and other grief for having the company operate at their field. Since the airport is listed as a public access facility, they are prohibited from denying operation to any aircraft that could safely use the runway. If they are unable to come to terms with Jump Indy, their options would be to close the airport or convert it to a private airport. The airport property has always been for sale; their concern is that if they section off just the airport itself and sell it then their ability to sell the rest of it will be compromised. There are no current plans to close the airport.
The airport association is planning its second annual Affordable Flying Open House for Saturday, June 17. They will be providing free food and drinks. They are looking for volunteers for Young Eagles rides, adult flights, ground support (on ramp and in the office), plus general volunteer work in food service, cleanup, and other areas. To volunteer contact association president Wayne Deckard at 1-317-370-7930
The EAA Young Eagles Web site hosts a live Webchat the third Wednesday of every month with various aviation celebrities. The Webchat lasts one hour and takes place between 7 and 8 p.m. Central Time. Please visit http://www.youngeagles.org/webchat/ for more information.
Let's continue to introduce kids to the experience of flight and share our passion for aviation. Hopefully we'll inspire more kids to seek careers in aviation or maybe to just study hard, get good jobs and follow in our footsteps. If you would like a copy of the Young Eagles form download it at http://www.eaa1311.org/PDF_files/Young_Eagles_form.pdf
If you have an opinion on any story that appears in the newsletter, or any other aviation-related issue, we want to read about it. We will make editorial space available for your responsible comment. Please contact the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie@tds.net then send it to the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie@tds.net. Or just write what you wish and send it as an email.
Chapter 1311 is endowed with many members who have a vast experience in building, maintaining and flying a variety of aircraft. If you are one of these (you ARE, aren't you?) consider an occasional or on-going contribution to the chapter's monthly newsletter. We can always use a story or photo on the following topics:
Do you have an idea on a story that you'd like to write but need some assistance? Contact the newsletter editor. He'll help you get your ideas into words.
April 4-10 - Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL), Lakeland FL. For more information see http://www.sun-n-fun.org
April 24 - Annual Antique Aircraft Fly-In and Spring Burger Burn, Columbus IN Airport (BAK). Breakfast and lunch, many activities; Rain date Sunday, April 25. For more information contact Mike Williams at 812-375-1954
April 28-29-30 (tentative) - Warbird Fly-In, Freeman Field, Seymour IN. For more information see http://www.freemanfield.org
May 12-13 - EAA Southwest Regional, Hondo Municipal Airport (HDO), Hondo TX. For more information see http://www.swrfi.org
May 20 - Sporty's Fly-In and Open House, Clermont County Airport, Cincinnati OH. Free hot dogs. Many manufacturers and exhibitors will be there. For more information see http://www.sportys.com/flyin.
June 9-11 - Golden West EAA Regional Fly-In, Yuba County Airport (MYV), Marysville CA. For more information see http://www.goldenwestflying.org
June 24-25 - Rocky Mountain EAA Regional Fly-In, Front Range Airport (FTG), Watkins CO. For more information see http://www.rmrfi.org
July 5-9 - Northwest EAA Fly-In, Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO), Arlington WA. For more information see http://www.nweaa.org
July 24-30 - EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wittman Regional Airport (OSH), Oshkosh WI. For more information see http://www.airventure.org
August 27-28 - EAA Mid-Eastern Regional Fly-In, Marion Municipal Airport (MNN), Marion OH.
September 30 - 10th Annual Wood, Fabric & Tailwheels Fly-In, Lee Bottom Flying Field, Hanover IN. For more information see http://www.leebottom.com
September 30-October 1 - Virginia Regional EAA Fly-In, Dinwiddie Co. Aiport (PTB), Petersburg, VA. For more information see http://www.vaeaa.org
October 6-8 - EAA Southeast Regional Fly-In, Middleton Field Airport (GZH), Evergreen AL. For more information see http://serfi.org
October 12-15 - Copperstate Regional EAA Fly-In, Casa Grande (AZ) Municipal Airport (CGZ). For more information see http://www.copperstate.org
The next meeting will be Wednesday, March 1, 6:30 p.m. at Hendricks County Airport (2R2) operations building. Program: TBA.
March 1 - TBA
April 5 - TBA
May 3 - TBA
June 7 - TBA
July 5 - TBA
August 2 - TBA
September 6 - TBA
October 4 - TBA
November 1 - TBA
December - Christmas Party
President: Dale "Gus" Gustafson
Vice President: Dennis Crawley
Secretary: Michael Mossman
Treasurer: Vern Sullenger
Director: Dave Helton
Director: Glen Matejcek
Director: Paul Vogel
FOR SALE: Brand new Airwolf oil filter system, still in the box. Paid $ 510, will take $ 300. Fits all Lycoming motors, has STC. Dave Helton, 317-590-5001 or dhelton@iquest.net
Current as of February 8, 2006
NAME EMAIL ADDRESS PROJECT(S)
BROYLES, John JohnC-DELTA@worldnet.att.net -
CHAPMAN, Jeff PoP6756@aol.com Piper Tri-Pacer
CLARK, David davecpd@iquest.net Restoring 1946 Aeronca Chief
GROVER, Troy rv6grover@netzero.net RV10
GUSTAFSON, Dale DALEFAYE@msn.com Piper J-4
HELTON, Dave dhelton@iquest.net Piper Tri-Pacer
HENDERSON, Robert robert_10215@msn.com Christavia MK2
HILL, Ken khill5@indy.rr.com RV-9A
KOPESCHKA, Dave iedvk@iquest.net -
KOPESCHKA, Steve stephen.j.kopeschka@rolls-royce.com Little Wing Autogyro
LeBARON, Tim TJLebaron@CS.com RV8, Breezy, 1946 Ercoupe
LEWIS, Jimmy rudder4@aol.com RV-7A
LONG, Chuck charles.long@GM.com Zenair 601 HDS
MONCREIFF, Doug cmoncreiff@netzero.net Ultralights, LSPA
MOSSMAN, Michael m_mossman@enovationgraphics.com Zenair 601 HDS
REYNOLDS, Gary n98gr@aol.com RV6A
ROLDAN, Erick Phone 765-482-7287 Ducted fan research
ROTTLER, Mark mark@rottler.org -
RUSH, Larry k9hxt@sbcglobal.net RV6A, RV-8
SHUMAKER, Kim kshumaker@iquest.net RV-9A
SULLENGER, Vern sullenger@iquest.net Cherokee 140, RV-7A
UTLEY, Ted ted.utley@in.ngb.army.mil -
UTTERBACK, Tom Phone 317-839-2505 -
VOGEL, Paul pvogel@indy.rr.com Helping others
VONDERSAAR, Bob btvondersaar@sbcglobal.net Steen Skybolt
VONDERSAAR, Teresa btvondersaar@sbcglobal.net Steen Skybolt
NAME EMAIL ADDRESS PROJECT(S)
BALDWIN, Fred bladerunnerxz11@netzero.com Sonex BEETHAM, John jabeetham@earthlink.net Fokker D VII, Piper Dakota BUDNY, Skip skbudny@tds.net Mini 500 helicopter BYRUM, Jon jbyrum@byrumarchitects.net RV-7A CHAPMAN, Tom tschapman1@aol.com 1957 Cessna 172 CRAWLEY, Dennis Crawley27@comcast.net Grumman Tiger DAVIDSON, Ginger planecrazy13@att.net RV3 DAVIDSON, Rich ifitsoldillflyit@msn.com RV3 EDWARDS, John jwayneedwards@aol.com RV6 GORDON, Jeff Jgordon@speedwayengines.com 1961 Cessna 182 GRIFFIN, Jim jimg@netcapade.net Questar Venture HARRINGTON, Bill bhis60@yahoo Cessna 182 LATHROP, Steve lathropdad@worldnet.att.net BearHawk LAURENZANO, Mike mikelaurenzano@yahoo.com Bushby Mustang II MATEJCEK, Glen aerobubba@earthlink.net RV8 MATEJCEK, Robin aerobubba@earthlink.net RV8 MELCHIOR, Dirk d-r-melchior@msn.com F1 Rocket NG, Bart bng@math.iupui.edu RV-7A NOLAN, Bill TBA - RINEHART, Mark capt_riney@yahoo.com Kolb Mark III Classic ROBBINS, Will werobbins@flightline.com - ROEVER, Doug dmroever@iquest.net RV-7 Tail kit SHULL, Kenny Phone 317-539-5542 Helping Others TURNER, Arvel aero451@hotmail.com RV-9A
See our chapter roster online at http://www.eaa1311.org/memberroster.html
Subject: Have you ever deiced with a fire hose?
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After the business portion of the monthly meeting, the chapter visited Troy and Andrea Grover's RV Builder's Assistance Shop just north of the Hendricks County Airport. The chapter originally visited Troy's shop for the February 2005 meeting; a few things have happening since that visit a year ago. Troy is a lot busier now, and his shop is full of airplanes. If you like walking down the aisles and rubbing elbows with airplanes, parts, tools or other builders you'll love his shop.
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Currently, Grov-Air is housing two nearly-finished airframes, both RV-8s. Dean Webster's airplane will be ready for its first flight in a couple of months, and Chuck LaBarreare's example appears to be not too far behind; it may be ready in by autumn, 2006. Also in the shop right now is John Ogle's RV-8 empennage kit.
Something new to Grov-Air this year is his Basic RV Construction Skills Classes. Once a month spanning a Saturday and Sunday, Troy and Andrea host a hands-on class covering the basic skills required for building an RV airframe kit. Troy uses a sample control surface kit for his students to practice measuring, drilling, dimpling, countersinking, deburring, riveting, and a few other necessities. Once they've completed their sample control surface they've developed the starting skills to build a real aircraft component. Troy has hosted about a half-dozen classes to date. These small classes usually contain three or four people so everyone gets maximum hands-on time and assistance from the Grovers.
Grov-Air has been offering his custom-molded composite instrument panels for the side-by-side RVs, and he's sold a few. Now he is offering some air vents and LED cockpit lights, all made from aluminum billet. His air vents and cockpits lights are suitable for any experimental aircraft, not just RVs.