Guests: Cindy Crawley, Tina Eminger, Tessa Grover, Tim Princell and Lou Sullenger.
I'm writing my column this time under a little pressure to get it in the Chapter's May newsletter. Now I know what it is like for a reporter to write and meet a deadline. I've delayed writing because I've wanted to see how the chapter's Young Eagles flight rally would turn out. My comment is, it was GREAT! At last count 65 young people were flown in about 2.5 hours. The turnout of pilots and their aircraft was tremendous. The weather could not have been better, and the youngsters all went home with big smiles on their faces.
I hope the pilots all took advantage of the lowered fuel price, thanks to the airport authority. HCA also furnished an airplane, pilot and doughnuts! My thanks also go to the chapter ground workers that help make these events successful. Again, thanks to everyone who participated. I'm ready for the next time.
The chapter's monthly meeting was a special and interesting one: a trip to the new and in-service Indianapolis tower. This was a privilege that how much longer we will be able to do, I don't know. With the TSA telling us what we can and cannot do, we have to take advantage of things while we can. The cab of the tower is really "up there," three hundred seventy-five feet, give or take a few feet. Visibility was restricted that evening but we could still see all of the airport itself. Not much green grass remains. I first flew off of "Weir Cook" in September of 1950. Time moves on! Have a Safe flying season and hope that it remains affordable.
Gus
In Attendance: John Broyles, Skip Budny, Tom Chapman, Dennis Crawley, Mark Eminger, Troy Grover, Gus Gustafson, Glen Matejcek, Michael Mossman, Rick Princell, Gary Reynolds, Mark Rinehart, Kim Shumaker, Jim Snyder, Vern Sullenger and Paul Vogel. If you were there but we didn't record it, let us know.
Guests: Cindy Crawley, Tina Eminger, Tessa Grover, Tim Princell and Lou Sullenger.
Treasurer's report: None given.
Secretary's report: Michael Mossman gave a brief summation of the April meeting.
Vice President's report: None given.
Project Reports: Troy Grover moved the RV-8A project to his hangar and installed the wings. He plans on running the engine, then it is ready for flight.
President's Remarks: Gus said that at Fun & Sun there was an accident per day. People are rusty after a winter then find themselves over extending themselves at major fly-ins. He cautioned the pilots to brush up their skills after a long winter lay-over.
New Business: Noblesville Chapter 67 Pancake Breakfast is Saturday, June 16. Post Air Chapter 900 Pancake Breakfast and Midwest Taildragger Rendezvous is Saturday, June 23. We need to get the nominations ready for Newsletter Editor and Web Editor.
Gus Gustafson announced the preliminary details for the Eric Gustafson Scholarship. See story in May 2007 newsletter.
Program: Before the business portion of the meeting, the chapter and guests toured the new control tower at Indianapolis International Airport. See feature story at end of newsletter.
To get a downloadable PDF membership application see http://www.eaa1311.org/PDF_files/membership_application.pdf
Chapter 1311 to Sponsor Tool Scholarship
Gus presented his basic outline to EAA Oshkosh, who blessed the idea but would like a "hold harmless" clause in the scholarship. There are still a few more details to work out but the basic idea is quite simple. The chapter will need to accumulate a starting set of tools for a worthy Vincennes University A&P student. The basic tools to start with may be used but serviceable (not junk) and be contributed to the chapter. Just about every person involved in aviation ends up with surplus tools and equipment as time moves on and they no longer have a use for them.
Requirements: Initially we will call it a Tool Library with the chapter retaining ownership while the student is taking classes. Student must maintain passing grades. Should the student drop out, he cannot take the tools with him. However, upon receiving the A & P license, the chapter may donate the tools to the student should they be needed for employment.
To qualify, an application would need to be submitted. A selection committee would need to be established: i.e., two members from the school and one from the chapter, or perhaps the reverse. Having to be a member of the EAA cannot be a requirement (discrimination problems). We may, however, invite the student to attend the chapter meetings and functions. A person in the chapter should be selected to oversee and monitor this program. Should the chapter cease to exist, the tools would be donated to whichever school the student is attending, or a private individual may desire to continue the program.
It is very possible that this proposal would become an annual function at the beginning of each school year as it usually takes two years to complete all classes.
Financing this proposal may be done in various ways; i.e., 50/50 drawing at the chapter meetings, setting aside money for this specifically, cash contributions, donations of tools and even outside contributions from other persons or groups.
The Indianapolis area has several A & P schools in its geographical area and possible employment after graduation may be available.
See tool list.
Ford Tri-Motor Coming to Indiana
EAA Memorial Wall
Each year at AirVenture, a dedication ceremony is held on Sunday morning in this beautiful park-like setting that includes a special name recognition tribute and a missing man flyover.
Each inductee is also remembered in a memory album kept in the EAA Fergus Chapel. It is a wonderful way to honor those that have gone before us. Your contribution of $350 for the Memorial Wall is held in EAA's endowment in perpetuity.
For more information on how to submit a lost member for inclusion on the Memorial Wall please go to: http://www.eaa.org/support/. To be included in this year's dedication service applications need to be submitted by April 1, 2007.
New Chapter Name Tags Available
We have photos and/or illustration for perhaps a third of the members. For those that we don't have a photo or illustration, you'll be able to submit your own photo for use, with some limitations based on acceptable formats and content: we will need photos that will reproduce with reasonable clarity, and you will need some legitimate connection to the aircraft in the name tag.
Unacceptable formats: Word documents or PDF files with embedded photos. Photos printed from a laser or inkjet printer.
Acceptable content: Your current or recent aircraft (whole or fractional ownership), another aircraft of same make and model that you are building or an aircraft that you have a significant connection .
Unacceptable content: Aircraft you didn't own or have any significant connection, non-aircraft subject or content in poor taste.
We'll start with the tags that we have and update them periodically as we get more photos. To submit a photo for your name tag, send an email to Michael Mossman at michaelandkatie@insightbb.com.
Chapter 1311 Builders' Local Resource Directory
Previous resources: AED Motorsport Products, 5375 W. 86th St., Indianapolis IN 46268; Chance Aviation, 4444 Decatur Blvd , Indianapolis, IN 46241; Earl's Indy, 302 Gasoline Alley, Indianapolis IN 46222; and McKinney Corp, Lafayette, IN.
Start thinking of the places where you locally buy for AN hardware, sheet metal, paint, tools and other items. We'll need an address, phone number and web site, if they have one. Be sure to let us know if you would recommend them to others or not. The idea here is that members should be able to look to suppliers that you trust and would continue to do business with. Please forward your ideas and recommendations to Michael Mossman at michaelandkatie@insightbb.com.
Check out our online directory at http://www.eaa1311.org. Click on the link "Homebuilder's Resources" on the left. Note that all resources listed are merely suggestions; as a chapter we do not endorse any of them. Our recommendation: "Caveat Emptor" (let the buyer beware).
Time to Mobilize Against User Fees
The EAA is asking all members to take the initiative to head off these user fees. To do se we need the congress to hold the line on user fees. The EAA has written a sample letter to our senators that members can customize to fit their specific needs. We are storing three formats of the sample letter on the chapter website for you convenience. For a Microsoft word document, choose user_fees_2007_letter.doc. For a text file for your own layout program, choose user_fees_2007_text.txt. And if you prefer to write the letter by hand, we also have PDF file, user_fees_2007_letter.pdf.
The EAA strongly recommends that you send the letter by mail; expect that the senators and congressmen get tens of thousands of emails and don't take them very seriously.
Please step up and write your congressmen, and let's stop this onerous push to User's Fees now.
What Other Chapters Are Doing:
At the FFY, the classes continue to use the "Flight Site" that was at Parkside School. But, I have expanded these classes to include the following projects:
One of the things that I have found is that these classes need to be adapted to where ever they are offered. An example of this is that the Parkside Elementary School library, where we previously offered classes, has a great balcony for launching gliders. Whereas, the classes at the airport offered a nice outside area for flying models (i.e. outside the fence) and the ability to take the kids out on to the airport ramp when the models are drying. The classes at the Foundation for Youth have the ability to reserve the gym for flying models. But, these FFY classes need to be more flexible as attendance varies depending if the students are able to attend each week (i.e. may depend on which parent they are staying with that week or when they are getting picked up).
For these classes each student has their own set of tools that they use. This allows each student to focus on their own project. Students do not have to spend time figuring out where the needed tools went or if someone is making their project faster then them. Further, every attempt is made to use tools that are low cost and can be purchased locally (i.e. this gives examples of what they could use if they want to be making models at home). The cost of the contents of these kits is approximately $30/each.
In making the model airplanes we want the students to learn how to build the models correctly and safely. The tools that the students use have been selected to be as safe as possible. Rather than use single edge razor blades we use razor blade holders to keep fingers further away from the shape edge. The modeling knife that we use can not roll off the table. Students are directed to keep knifes retracted or covered when not in use. The glues that the students are washable (i.e. when CA glue is used it is used by one of the adults). Also, the students are told early in the first session that horseplay will not be tolerated.
Because I want to make sure each student has a chance to see their project fly and fly well, we don't let them take their projects home until they have flown it with us. This way we can show them how to adjust their projects to make them fly well. It also ensures that they leave with a sense of accomplishment about their projects rather than frustration. Further, with stories like "When I took it home, my cat jumped on it" "it got broken in my backpack "or "my little brother broke it" we want to make sure that they have seen their projects fly well. Having an indoor location at the FFY to fly the models in is a big advantage (i.e. the weather is dependable; the models can't fly away and it helps with keeping the kids together).
In offering these classes I try to make sure each group gets to see the EAA video tape "Young Eagle". This tape is ten years old but it has an excellent message. Namely, that one needs to have goals and the only way to achieve ones goals is to work toward achieving them. It uses a boy and his chance to fly in Curtiss Jenny to demonstrate this. I view this as a very important message independent of where each of the student's interests may lead.
Another goal of these classes is to keep the cost of offering these classes as low as possible. An example of this is that the raw materials for projects are purchased in bulk and I can use my band saw to cut the wood to the needed sizes. The students then need to round off the ends and make some measurements to apply some reference marks. By the doing this, the cost of the raw materials for all of the projects except one can be kept to less than $1.00/each. Another example is that 35 Delta Dart kits can be purchased for $43.00. By keeping the cost low it isn't a big issue when something needs to be replaced due to errors in making the project or when repairing a broken project. Cost also is kept down by making my own jigs. Rather having to purchase the $10.00 jigs for setting the dihedral of Delta Dart wings I made jigs from some scrap material. Also, for winding up the Delta Darts simple fixtures were made to hold them and a hand drill makes a good winder rather than purchasing these.
Part of why I offer these classes is seeing the joy that the students have in taking these classes and part is knowing these students wouldn't be learning/exposed to these things if these classes weren't being offered. The students clearly want to be in these classes as shown by the disappointment of the students that can not be fit into a particular session. Or the joy when they get to see the projects that they made fly well and the surprise in finding out they get to take their projects home with them.
Building From Scratch — Still a Viable Option
So, with the prints in hand, most builders spent hours just studying and thinking, trying to get some inkling where to start. The list of materials, if a list existed, usually listed those materials used to build the prototype. Some aircraft didn't have a list of materials, so the builder had to use the plans and his or her own knowledge of aircraft construction to develop the list themselves. In either case the builder had to go out and "scrounge" the materials from various sources. Just building up a set of wood wings could turn into an ordeal just short of going into the Alaskan forest and cutting down a Sitka spruce tree to get wood spars and cap strips! Such was the life of a scratch builder.
All the skills that go into the building of an experimental aircraft are the same skills that go into a certified aircraft. Woodworking, sheet metal, welding, riveting, covering, and electrical, not to mention all the expertise that goes into the firewall-forward area. These had to be learned as the builder proceeded with her or her project. This often led to projects that took years to complete. The drop-out rate for such scratch-built projects is probably greater than 50 percent, and many projects passed from builder to builder, being completed and flown by someone other than the person who started the project.
The big advantage of scratch-built homebuilts is cost. The "out of pocket" cost is much less than that of any kit. You trade money for time, using your own labor instead of paying for someone at the kit vendor to build components of the aircraft. Scratch-building also allows the builders to spread the cost out over time as well, purchasing materials as needed instead of buying the kit up front. Scratch building is definitely the way to get the most "bang for the buck" in homebuilding!
The satisfaction and price that comes with building each and every part in your own aircraft by hand is beyond description. In our current kit-oriented world, scratch building is still a viable choice!
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
Big Iron News
Among Delta's new-future plans are a new paint scheme for its aircraft and jettisoning its Comair subsidiary. Also pending is the resignation or retirement of CEO Gerald Grinstein.
During Delta's 19.5 months of bankruptcy, they avoided a hostile takeover bid by US Airways, who bid $9.8 billion for the airline. Delta's unsecured creditors committee decided to continue with Delta's reorganization plan.
Boeing Inks Virgin Atlantic Deal
Virgin, on the lookout for more ways to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions, will be partnering with Boeing in the development of a new jet biofuel. Virgin will begin test flying a Boeing 757 powered by biofuels in 2008.
Unrelated to the Virgin deal, Air Canada is boosting its Dreamliner order from 14 airplanes to 37. With options for an addition 23 airplanes, Air Canada becomes the largest North American 787 customer.
Blind Pilot Completes 13,500-Mile Microlight Flight
In his 59-day saga, Hilton-Barber flew through snowstorms, freezing temperatures and downpours with his co-pilot, Richard Meredith-Hardy.
Hilton-Barber, who has wanted to fly since childhood, has been blind for about 20 years. He navigated with a gizmo that provided audio information on airspeed, altitude, and other information.
Hilton-Barber hopes that the voyage will help raise $2 million for a charity Seeing is Believing.
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@insightbb.com.
Newsletter Publication Schedule
Get back editions of the newsletter at http://www.eaa1311.org. Click on the link "Members Only" at the left (no passwords required) then when the members Only page comes up click on the link "Newsletters."
Membership Roster Updates Needed
Boone County Airport News
Hangar Space: There are several 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.
May 2007 newsletter continued onto Section 2
May 2007 newsletter ends on Section 3
Gus Gustafson has proposed a new Chapter 1311 philanthropic project called "The Eric Gustafson Tool Scholarship." The intent is to aid a financially stressed person get a start on the basic tools needed for the required courses while pursuing the A & P license. Tools may cost upwards of a thousand dollars by completion.
Snap-On, Craftsman and Mac Tools give Vincennes University students a substantial discount, but any other quality tool manufacturer such as S&K, Williams, Matco, Proto, etc., are also acceptable. All tools must meet the minimum requirements of this list, with no substitution of tool types permitted. We're starting off with a nice tool box that has been donated to the scholarship.
EAA's Ford Tri-Motor is scheduled to be at Elkhart IN (EKM) June 7-10, then headed down to Columbus IN Airport (BAK) on June 11 through 13. This is a unique opportunity for aviation fans to see this 68-year-old working relic of airline history. Even better, visitors will have an opportunity to ride in the "Tin Goose." Rides are $50 to the general public, but EAA members pay only $40.
From ChapterEgram
EAA's Memorial Wall is a lasting tribute to those aviation enthusiasts who have "gone west." These special people are memorialized on a beautiful wall constructed of stones brought to Oshkosh by EAA members from all over the world.
EAA Chapter 1311 now has its name tags for the meetings. Our tags are a lanyard-style of tag, so there is no clip to mar the fine fabric of your clothing.
We have two simultaneous designs available for members. Those with an aircraft will be able to have a name tag with a photo of their aircraft in the lower left-hand corner. Members currently without an aircraft will have the EAA logo in front.
Acceptable formats: Scannable analog photos, or digital photos in JPG, TIFF, EPS, Photoshop composite formats.
We've all been around town trying to scrounge up a few AN bolts or perhaps some 4130 tubing to finish a last-minute weekend building or repair project. How much easier would it be to know where the best supplies of quality parts and materials are?
The airlines, some FAA administrators and others in federal government continue to push for user fees as their perceived way of balancing the FAA's budget and provide additional funding for modernization of the air traffic control system.
Youth Education Program Ideas
By Mike Foushee, EAA Chapter 729, Columbus IN
For several years, Brett Herrick with assistance from other chapter members has conducted aviation oriented classes at the Foundation for Youth in Columbus. He has funded this program himself with some financial assistance from the Columbus Airport and Chapter 729. The programs were initiated as a compliment to the Young Eagle Flight Program. The following is Brett's update on the FFY programs.
There are two different ways to look at what the students gain by participating in these classes. Both are equally valid. First and most obvious, these classes are a chance to learn about aviation. The students learn about aviation by learning some affordable/age appropriate ways to be involved in aviation, some basic model making skills and they have fun. To do this, I have a series of projects that the students build and fly. Beyond this, they can fly a flight simulator or get to go flying in an airplane. The second way to view these classes is that it chance to learn basic skills that can be applied in many different ways. The skills learned can include basic math and science, weather, how to make things, goal setting and working in a group. The FFY calls this "stealth learning". I use aviation to make the classes interesting but we are teaching skills that can be applied elsewhere.
Mike Foushee has been Chapter 729's newsletter for several years and has been a frequent contributor to our newsletter.
By Ron Sutton, EAA Tech Counselor
"Scratch-built" is the term often used to describe the way homebuilt aircraft were built when the EAA was first formed. These aircraft were built from drawings or blueprints, or sometimes from a concept that existed only in the mind of the builder. Builders would select the design to be built, buy the plans and get started. Some of the aircraft drawings were nothing more than an elaborate three-view sketch. The builder had to read the plans and "fill in the blanks" as he or she progressed through the project.
From EAA "Safety Wire"
With the days getting longer and colder winter weather way behind us, many chapter members are spending their evenings and weekends in their basements or garages, hunkered over the work bench and building airplanes or getting their projects ready to fly to the fly-ins or Oshkosh. 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.
Delta Emerges from Bankruptcy
Delta Airlines emerged from bankruptcy protection on April 30, surviving a hostile takeover bid. Delta closed on a $2.5 billion dollar loan to pay off the lenders who propped up the airline during its bankruptcy.
Condensed from the Associated Press
The Boeing Company announced on April 24 that Virgin Atlantic is buying 15 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Virgin took options for eight more 787s and purchase rights for an additional 20 of the fuel-efficient aircraft.
Condensed from the Associated Press and Reuters
Miles Hilton-Barber, a blind British Adventurer, completed an astonishing 13,500-mile flight from London to Sydney, Australia, in a two-seat "ultralight" aircraft.
Condensed from the Associated Press
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.
In order to report on the monthly meetings and programs, and give adequate notice of the next month's schedule, the EAA Chapter 1311 newsletter is published by email notice on the 15th of each month. A PDF will be available on the chapter web site on or around the 20th of each month. Newsletter contributors: Please email your material to the newsletter editor by the 14th of the month.
If you change your email address or internet service provider, please be sure to let the newsletter editor know of the new address. We've recently starting getting some "Undeliverable" messages from our monthly newsletter email publications. If you don't notify us, we can't get the newsletter or other chapter information to you. If you have changed your email address lately, or if you know of a chapter member who's changed the email address or is no longer getting the newsletter, please let us know. Contact the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie@insightbb.com
Open House: The third annual "Affordable Flying" Open House has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 23. The club will start the day off with a volunteers' breakfast, followed by Young Eagles, sponsored by Chapter 1311. At the conclusion of the Young Eagles rally, the club will host pig roast by chef Maurice Hobson and a radio-controlled "air show." There will be static displays all day long, entertainment, and airplane rides for families in the afternoon. Volunteers are needed. The next organizational meeting will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 19.