Another deadline is fast approaching and I'm not the writer I would like to be. The holidays are behind us now and let's hope that 2007 will be a good year for us all. The chapter has already had its first monthly meeting and I felt it was a very productive and I liked the attendance. Several new members joined … Welcome Aboard! It takes time but 1311 is slowly building into a good, solid chapter.
Last Monday (Jan. 8), I attended the business part of the Chapter 67 (Noblesville) meeting. The two top officers just switched positions and Don Roberts was made program chairman. Many of their plans for 2007 are similar to 1311 plans, so I mentioned that the two chapters can work together on some things, i.e., Young Eagles, bus tour to Dayton to the air Force Museum, etc. Earlier in the day, Mike Mossman had sent me an e-mail about a "builder's patch" that 67 had done several years back. They still have a few remaining so I was able to obtain one "on loan" to see if 1311 is interested in developing their own. Mike will have it at the February meeting. It covers all types of aircraft.
Have you noticed lately that the new "Sport Pilot" rule is catching on? The FBO's are getting phone calls about learning to fly under the Sport Pilot rule. Many articles are being written about it and new aircraft are being developed (too many from Europe and not enough from the U.S.; my personal observation). Maybe this new rule is what will save "general aviation" and brink the price of flying down to where it is more affordable. A lot of us are now able to get back in the air and be legal at the same time.
Have any of you watched a TV show on channel 6 at midnight Sunday names "NASCAR?" It is worth watching since it is about rebuilding vehicles for deserving people. I enjoy just being able to see inside of those shops … WOW! For those of you who have to go to work on Monday morning, I suggest you tape it.
I'll have more on shops, hangars, etc., in the next newsletter in February as I'll be coming from my "southern command" that month. I plan to be back north for the March meeting. Hope everything goes well for all of you.
Gus
In Attendance: John Broyles, Skip Budny, Dave Clark, Dennis Crawley, Troy Grover, Dave Helton, Bob Henderson, Steve Lathrop, Mike Laurenzano, Jim Lewis, Glen Matejcek, Doug Moncreiff, Michael Mossman, Gary Reynolds, Mark Rinehart, Bryan Ruberson, Kim Shumaker, Jim Snyder, David Stucker and Paul Vogel. If you were there but we didn't record it, let us know.
Guests: Mark and Tina Emminger, Robert Haynes, Nathan Holmberg, Gary Hood, Matt Peltz, Rick Princell and Gary Vollen.
Treasurers report: Unchanged since the last meeting, which is $1,676.26.
Secretary's report: Michael Mossman gave a brief reading of the minutes from the December meeting. Also, the incompatibility issues with the Chapter website and newsletters has been resolved.
Vice President's report: Doug Moncreiff discussed potential meeting programs for the coming year and addressed various chapter functions as suggested by David Stucker.
Project reports: None given.
New Business: Main topic of discussion was a Saturday morning project tour. Gus Gustafson also recommended that the chapter buy a Polariod camera and cheap picture frames for mounting the Young Eagles certificates. He also recommended that the chapter contact Phillips petroleum for information on rebates and/or discounts for fuel purchased for Young Eagles events.
Refreshments: None.
Program: Dave Clark gave a presentation on his recent visit to the Virginia Aviation Museum.
New to the chapter is Jim Snyder. Jim has been an active pilot since 1986, formerly owning a Cessna 150; he now has a Cherokee 160/180. He bases is aircraft a Hendricks County Airport after moving from Speedway Airport, and has been a member of the HCAA since 1991. Jim has been extremely active in the EAA's Young Eagles program, having flown many children over the years and has volunteered for several of the chapter's Young Eagles events.
Jim and his wife Suzanne have been married for 43 years and have two grown children and two grandchildren. Now retired, Jim is looking toward a Light Sport Aircraft project, possibly a Zodiac 601 XL.
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!
Please send your $15 dues to the treasurer: Vern Sullenger, 1763 Ramsey Lane, Plainfield IN 46168, or give it to Vern at the next meeting. Make your check out to EAA Chapter 1311.
EAA 2007 Calendars Now Available
Board of Directors Meet in January
Gus Gustafson would like to hold a membership drive. The chapter will be contacting local newspapers and media outlets to get the meeting schedule on the community calendars.
The chapter will be conducting a Young Eagles Rally with sponsorship by Hendricks County Aviation on Saturday, May 12.
The final discussion concerned hosting joint programs with Chapter 67 (Noblesville). No resolution made.
To view a PDF version of the minutes from the meeting see http://www.eaa1311.org, then click on the "Members Only" link (no password required), then click on the subsequent link "Board of Directors Minutes."
Chapter Programs for the Coming Year
Chapter 1311 Looking for a New Identity
We've been using a logo for several years but it has never been officially adopted by the chapter or the board of directors. Perhaps it's time to decide what the chapter's logo should look like. We'd like to invite the chapter members to submit their ideas for a new chapter logo. This logo would be used on the front of the newsletter, chapter web site, all official correspondence as well as the forthcoming name tags.
Contributors don't need to be artists, but the idea should be very clear. If your submission is chosen, we'll help clean it up for print and web use. The logo should be simple and work well with both print and web use. Bright colors are a plus.
Once the chapter selects a logo, the design will be the property of the chapter.
Ken Hill Flies His RV-9A
The aircraft has a 160 horsepower Lycoming O-320 engine, and weights 1,069 pounds empty.
Ken built his aircraft as a standard kit without the fast build options. He installed a basic IFR panel with a Nav/Comm, Dynon EFIS and Grand Rapids EIS engine instruments.
We are looking forward to an in-depth report on Ken's completion work and of his test flying regiment. In the meantime, for more information on this great project, read about it in the May 2005 edition of the chapter newsletter. See http://www.eaa1311.org. Click on the link for "Newsletters" then scroll down to the May 2005 link for the downloadable PDF version.
Are You a Bird Builder?
Our chapter has always had a very high percentage of members with on-going projects. Within the first five or so years that we've been a chapter, a large number of those projects have flown, most recently was Ken Hill with his RV-9A.
I propose that Chapter 1311 begin a similar program. I would like for us to come up with a patch of our own, or similar way of recognizing the builders, and award them at chapter meetings.
Since a "bird" would refer to anything that flies, we would be recognizing more than just airplane builders. Sailplanes, hang gliders, balloons, ultralights, gyrocopters, and other types would qualify, too. And since rebuilding is part of the program, restorers be eligible too.
If we want to do this, we'll need our own design. We could start with Chapter 67's basic design and modify it for our purposes, or we could start from scratch. Whichever way we go, we'll need some ideas that we are happy with and are workable within whatever media we decide to do. If you've got some ideas, please bring them to the next chapter meeting for discussion.
Chapter 67's patch is 6.5 inches in diameter.
Glen Matejcek Works on New Rating
EAA's VISA card Features Aircraft Spruce Discounts
EAA serves the needs and interests of aviation enthusiasts by providing opportunities for participation, representation in government and industry affairs, information resources and educational programs. EAA receives a portion of each purchase made with the card to help support its educational and youth activities. Share your passion and commitment to aviation by signing up for an EAA Platinum VISA credit card. Visit U.S. Bank's secure sign-up for more information: http://www.usbank.com/eaavisa
New EAA Finance Program Launched This Year
The EAA Finance Program provides a wide array of programs to meet the needs of our members. It's currently able to finance experimental aircraft (kit & airworthy), light-sport aircraft, piston, helicopter, and jet aircraft. With their extensive knowledge, passion, and experience in general aviation, EAA and AirFleet Capital have created a program that offers a variety of options that are constantly changing to meet the needs of members. This was evidenced by a new program launched by the EAA Finance Program that allows for financing of progress payments for the new very light jets (VLJ's) which have recently been certified. There are many pilots looking to purchase an aircraft in this new class, but who have to make payments as the aircraft progresses in its manufacturing process. The EAA Finance Program is able to help those who are in a position to order their VLJ with the progress payments.
The EAA Finance Program has also been aggressively supporting the special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) market. As this new class has developed, EAA and AirFleet Capital have been right there, rolling up their sleeves, obtaining information and research on the various aircraft, and producing financing options for these aircraft to fit the needs of the sport pilot. As the light-sport aircraft industry continues to develop and change the face of recreational aviation, the EAA Finance Program will continue to review the aircraft entering the market in order to support those aircraft that have been accepted and certified by the FAA. This is all part of EAA's mission to make aviation more attainable and affordable to its current and future members.
To obtain more information on the programs offered by the EAA Finance Program, give them a call at 866-808-6040 and a representative will be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.
Project Updates
Is your project finished and flying? We've love to report on it. Consider submitting a flight and performance report for the newsletter. Your experiences and insight will help other members who are building the same or similar model aircraft, and will positively influence others who may be contemplating an aircraft project.
If you aircraft has been flying for several years now, you might not be finished with the building process. What adjustments or modifications have you undertaken since the airplane first flew? Any significant repairs? Any memorable flights? Share them with your fellow chapter members!
Download a Microsoft Word copy of the Project Questionnaire at http://www.eaa1311.org/PDF_files/Project_Questionnaire.doc
2007 EAA Air Academy
The EAA hosts three different age-based categories: The EAA Young Eagles Camp is for youths aged 12 and 13. There are two sessions available for the Young Eagles Camp. The registration fee is $600 for a 5-day session. The EAA basic Air Academy is for youths ages 14 and 15, with three sessions available. The registration fee is $800 for a 6-day session. The EAA Advanced Air Academy is for youths aged 16 through 18, with two sessions available. The registration fee is $800 for the 8-day session, or $1,000 for the 10-day session. The first session starts June 14; the last session ends August 10.
Reservations should be received by the EAA by March 1. Full payment is due 30 days before camp.
Chapter President Gus Gustafson has challenged the chapter to consider sponsoring or co-sponsoring a youth to the Air Academy this year.
For more information on the Air Academy visit the EAA web site at http://www.youngeagles.org/programs/airacademy/classoverview.asp
Chapter Website Updates
Recently, several members have complained that the newsletter was no longer easily readable from the website. Instead of the newsletter neatly flowing into the main window of the website screen, it was being crowded into the "menu" column on the left side of the screen. We have learned that Microsoft made some changes to the coding in their Explorer 7 web browser, causing erratic display of web sites created with standard HTML code. We were not able to offer a remedy, as we did not have a computer running Explorer 7, so we couldn't see what was wrong and what potential solutions would fix it and work properly for other browsers. Fortunately, Andrea Grover researched the problem and provided a simple working solution. Thanks, Andrea!
We are also hearing reports that site visitors who access the internet through America OnLine are experiencing some erratic displays of the web site. We do not have a resolution for AOL users at this time. Our current recommendation is to view the web site though an alternative internet service provider.
CAF 1940's Hanger Dinner-Dance
January 2007 newsletter continued onto Section 2
Once again it's time for Chapter 1311 members to ante up with dues. The chapter's board of directors set the 2007 dues at $15 to help meet the chapter's on-going expenses. Since we don't have any chapter fund raising events, we need to pay our EAA assessments, insurance, web site maintenance, and other internal expenses with what we raise from dues.
Chapter 1311 has a limited supply of 2007 EAA calendars. These calendars feature a fantastic aircraft photograph each month and look great in your shop, hangar or over your desk. Price is $12. See Vern Sullenger or Michael Mossman at the chapter meetings to get yours.
On Wednesday, January 3, 2007, the board of directors for Chapter 1311 met before the regular chapter meeting. The meeting schedule for 2007 has been finalized. All regular chapter meeting will be the first Wednesday of the Month at 6:30 p.m. at the Operations Building at Hendricks County Airport, with the exception of the July meeting, which will be on Wednesday, July 11. Also, the meeting date for December is tentative, as no decision has been made to hold the meeting concurrent with the Christmas Party.
The main business discussion for the January meeting focused on potential meeting programs for the coming year. Several potential programs were suggested, some for the actual meeting date and others as a weekend side trip:
Some of the above project suggestions will be easy to put together; others may take a great deal of time and effort. Remember, the chapter doesn't exist to provide a few minutes of entertainment; it exists for members to get together and share information. If you have a special interest or skill that you think would benefit the members, please consider presenting at a chapter meeting. Also consider pitching in with organizing and planning on an upcoming program. Look around for ideas, and make some contacts.
At the October meeting, Gus Gustafson asked that the chapter consider having some name tags made for members to wear during the meetings. Most of us only see the others only once a month or so and don't know each other very well. Gus thinks that name tags could help with the recognition process.
After a nearly six-year building schedule, Ken Hill flew his RV-9A. Ken has flown off 23 of his required 25 hours of Phase One flight testing. Preliminary performance yesting reports that the aircraft flies between 150 and 160 mph without fairings, and stalls at a very gentle 43 to 48 mph. The aircraft climbs easily at 1500 fpm after a takeof distance estimated to be only 300.
By Michael Mossman
Before joining Chapter 1311, I was a member of Chapter 67 in Noblesville. They had a very cool program: once a member completed their project aircraft and flew it for the first time, the chapter would hold a brief little ceremony at their regular meeting and award the builder an embroidered "Bird Builder" patch.
The folks at Chapter 67 recognized one of the most important activities of the EAA, which is building and restoring airplanes. Although the EAA is now much wider and varied in its scope, building and rebuilding are still what the majority of members (and non-flying public) identify with.
Glen Matejcek is headed to Columbus, OH, for ground school then on to Wichita, KS, for flight training in Hawker jets. Glen will be flying the Hawkers for a fractional ownership company.
From EAA Chapter E-Gram
Help EAA keep the fun in flying by applying for and using the official EAA Platinum VISA card, issued through EAA partner U.S. Bank. Choose from one of three designs: EAA's B-17 Aluminum Overcast; a Piper Cub; or the EAA logo. New cardholders also receive the opportunity for the low interest rate the first 12 months. The EAA VISA entitles cardholders to a discount with EAA flagship partner Aircraft Spruce & Specialty. (Up to 10 percent; restrictions apply to avionics.) Additional partners will be added to the program in the future.
By Brenda Anderson, EAA Chapter Administrator
The EAA Finance Program was unveiled at Sun-N-Fun and EAA AirVenture Oshkosh during 2006. AirFleet Capital staff was on hand to meet and greet pilots in EAA's Member Village at both events, answering questions and providing information to members. The staff from AirFleet Capital also attended the 2006 NBAA convention in Orlando, Florida, assisting EAA in reaching out to the business aircraft market.
With the shorter days and colder winter weather on the way, many chapter members are spending their evenings and weekends in their basements or garages, hunkered over the work bench and building airplanes. We'd like to report on the status of these projects, as our members are interested building airplanes Help us with a project update on your aircraft. You can write the story, if you'd like, or you can download our project update questionnaire from the web site. Answer as little or as much as you'd like, then send it to the newsletter editor. If you have any photos, we'd love to see them. Just attach your JPG photos to an email.
As it has since 1984, the EAA is again offering its annual Air Academy at its "Oshkosh campus. The Air Academy has become a springboard for aviation careers and personal growth for many of its participants. A limited number of openings are available.
By Michael Mossman
This past autumn Chapter 1311 has transitioned from an email newsletter to a web-based newsletter. The change was made to reduce clogging up the members' email accounts with the increasingly larger files of the newsletter and to eliminate a third formatted version of the newsletter. The chapter continues to post a printable PDF version on the website.
On Saturday, February 17, 6 p.m., the Indiana Wing of the CAF is hosting a 1940šs Valentinešs dinner and dance at Indianapolis Executive Airport (TYQ). The ticket price of $30 per person or $60 per couple includes an excellent catered dinner, a live swing/big band for dancing, a silent auction, and a barbershop quartet, all surrounded by WW-II warbirds and vehicles in a heated hanger. Period uniforms or civilian dress are optional, with a contest for the best dressed for that era. For tickets contact Carl J. Winkler at eagleswings@alumni.indiana.edu or 317-769-4487. Tickets are only available in advance, with a $5 discount per couple if you purchase your tickets as a group. Proceeds mostly cover the expenses; anything remaining will also keep the PT-26 flying. For more information please visit http://www.indianawingcaf.org.