I'm starting to write this column at what is an odd time for me. Saturday afternoon a person should be playing with his toys at the airport. Today it's quite different. A thunderstorm is occurring so it's a good time to stay in and maybe take care of a few "honey do's," watch a football game, etc. Last Saturday was Marion, Ind. Fly-In/Cruise-In and the weather was perfect! Lots of airplanes, plenty of showcase vehicles and the pancakes were great!
By Michael Mossman
On Saturday, August 18, I headed out to the airport with no agenda or destination, then was reminded that Hendricks County Aviation Association was hosting a fly-in lunch. With Charles Westerfield in the right seat of my Zenair and Gene Hollingsworth and Wayne Deckard in his 1959???? Cessna 175, we made the short hop from Boone County Airport (6I4) to Hendricks (2R2) under the solid overcast skies.
Upon landing at Hendricks, we were surprised to see such a good turnout. Dotting the ramp were quite a few nice RVs and a Rocket or two, plus a Yak and a nice mixture of Cessna, Piper, Beech and Mooney aircraft. We shut down by fellow Boone Airport member Mike Jackson's Cherokee. After hopping out of the Zenair, we were greeting by a few enthusiastic aviation fans. Being substantially past my normal lunchtime, I followed my nose to the delicious aroma wafting from under the pavilion at the airport. Underneath, the folks from HCAA had grills set up, cooking bratwurst and some extremely spicy Italian sausage. Additional fixin's included baked beans, sauerkraut (for the brats), salads, chips and a to-die-for dessert table. Lunch included a cub of iced tea or lemonade. One enterprising little girl had a small stand set up selling canned soft drinks and bottled water for fifty cents. I couldn't pass up a deal like that.
Charles, Gene, Mike and his friend Teresa, Wayne and I settled in for a nice lunch and a chance to catch up on "airplane talk." Wayne couldn't help but be amused after looking out at the ramp with all of those expensive, high-performance airplanes out there; all of the crowd seemed to be around my little Zenair. I surmised that perhaps the RV folks might be getting some bruised egos but Charles said that there were only trying to hide the Zenair from view. OK, so there was only one bruised ego. It turns out that the interest in Sport Pilot is growing daily, and the folks on the ramp were considering a Zenair of their own.
After lunch I got a chance to catch up on chapter news with Gus Gustafson and Dave Clark. Then it was time to shoot some more photos. I especially wanted to capture this pretty little Fisher biplane. Then I headed down to the Zenair to talk to some people who are interested in building one. Jim Snyder is considering one, as is his neighbor, Clay Heathcoe, who used to work at Edwards Air Force Base, building and wrenching on some of the many experimental aircraft that flew from that magical and mythical place.
HCAA organized a nice little fly-in for that day. They had plenty of volunteers to cook, serve food and sell tickets. Once neat idea was that they held a raffle from the lunch tickets for rides in a Piper Super Cruiser. The weather man also gave then a great break and moderate temperatures and a full overcast. During lunch time there was some rain between 6I4 and 2R2, but none fell on the fly in. Eventually, the sun came out in full force, bringing out some plane flying in formation and signaling the time for me to head on home.
On Saturday, September 1, I had an extremely tight morning schedule, as I had family commitments for the afternoon. But there was no way I was going to miss Marion IN's annual Fly-In/Cruise In, so I was out at the airport practically at dawn to get my airplane out and get ready for the short flight there.
That morning the skies were super clear and the air was moderately smooth, although I experienced a 13-knot headwind component on the way up. No matter, that just means some more stick time. Approaching the pattern at Marion, things started looking like a mini Oshkosh. There were planes in the air everywhere, with the only apparent difference is that at Marion everyone was on the Unicom. Fortunately, all of the planes seemed to slip into the pattern unscathed and lined up for uneventful landings.
I made a beeline for the food line and had to wait only about 10-15 minutes for a plate. While looking for a place to sit, I noticed Lou and Vern Sullenger enjoying their breakfast so I joined them for a few minutes and had a nice visit.
The Fly-In/Cruise-In is a major fundraiser for the Marion High School band program. Many of the adult volunteers are band boosters, but the beneficiaries of the project were there in full force, from waiting and busing tables, cleaning up and greeting the visitors. The volunteers' speed, efficiency and friendly faces made this one of the nicest fly-in breakfasts anywhere.
The event's main "volunteer" is the organizer, Ray Johnson. Johnson claims to spend about 364 days a year working on the Fly-In/Cruise-In, taking only Christmas Day off. He says that when he goes down the street many business owners pretend that they are closed because they know that he will be asking for donations. And he does get them. The proceeds for the breakfast all go to the band program; many of the expenses are from sponsorships, private funds and other donations.
One special feature is the MiG 17 jet flown in and featured prominently by the food line. It's 1,300-h.p. engine averages just a little better than a gallon a minute in cruise. But kick in the afterburner and the gulp rate jumps to about a gallon a second. The MiG was brought in with donations and sponsorships. To help feed the beast the owner was selling opportunities to climb a ladder and look in the cockpit for a dollar. For just five dollars a visitor could sit in the cockpit. It's the ultimate capitalistic slap in the communistic face: Place you bum on the bad guy's seat for only five bucks! Still, I don't think that that long line waiting for a look quite paid for the whole fuel bill.
Marion's Fly-In/Cruise-In set records in many areas this year. Some people commented that it was their best yet. More than 3,000 people lined up for the pancakes and sausage breakfast.
Among the many aircraft at Marion were at least eight Aeronca Chiefs and quite a few Champs. Two of the Chiefs were Oshkosh Grand Champions, one owned by Ray Johnson and the other by Chapter 1311 member Bryan Ruberson. Also noted as present was serial number 2 of the post-war Chiefs (a prototype), now owned by Paul Gould. Additionally, one of the 7AC Champs was a past Grand Champion in the Classic Category. Gus Gustafson says that the Aeroncas were in large enough numbers to give the prolific RV fleet a "good run for the money."
Even the Zenairs made a good showing; I counted five, including mine. Among the other homebuilts making the show were some RANS, some nice-looking Sonex models, and of course many recruits from the Van's Air Force. My Courageous Builder Award goes to the guy flying in the Vari-Viggen. At the time that airplane was designed, it was so far off the scale that it took a leap of faith to want to build and fly one. Too bad Rutan doesn't sell the plans anymore; it would be an attention-getter at any fly-in.
My drop-dead departure time came too soon, waaaay too soon. I had barely glanced at the flight line and hadn't even strolled along the many classic and customized cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors. There truly was something for everyone. Eventually, I got to the plane and asked one of the linemen how was the best way to get it. He gave me the procedure and I found myself in line for the taxi to the end of the runway. At ten o'clock there was still a long line of aircraft in the pattern for landing, so I still had a respectable wait to take off. Fortunately, that headwind that slowed me down on the way up came to my rescue and helped me get home on time.
COMING UP: On Saturday, September 15, Chapter 1311 will be conducting its first (hopefully annual) Fly-Out, with this year's destination being Pegasus Farms, just south of Monrovia IN. Then two weeks, later, head down to Lee Bottom Field on September 29 for their annual Wood, Fabric and Tailwheels fly-in. Weather permitting, you can expect to see more than 100 great antique and classic airplanes and a host of other fly-in attendees. Just one week after Lee Bottom Field is Noblesville Airport's annual fall barbecue. Great food, great airplanes, and it's just a short hop by plane or car from the Hendricks County area. The week after Noblesville, John Marshall is hosting a chili lunch at Shelbyville. See you there.
Chapter Elections Coming Up
We will need to fill seven positions for the chapter, four class I directors and three class II directors. The class I directors are the president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. In a nutshell, the president presides over the chapter's meetings and executes the chapter's business at the direction of the board, which the president also chairs. The vice president assists the president with these tasks, and stands in for the president in his absence. The secretary handles the meeting minutes, any publication issues, as well as actually executing and maintaining any documents with the president. The treasurer handles and tracks our finances, primarily maintaining and reporting on our checking account.
The class II directors participate in leading the chapter through voting on the items that come before the board as well as chairing committees as the need arises. We need a minimum of three of these directors at large, and can have as many as nine. If you have a particular interest or activity you would like to see the chapter involved in, this is an excellent way to pursue it.
We need to have the slate put together for the October meeting so that we can vote by the November meeting and install the officers in December. Any regular member in good standing can run for any office, and we will be contacting the membership individually to fill out the slate. Anyone wishing to join the board is encouraged to contact the nominating committee directly.
See you at the polls!
Chapter Tool Scholarship in Full Swing
Gus petitioned the EAA and received its "blessing" for the scholarship, pending a "hold harmless" clause for the scholarship. The full set of tools, which is required for the Vincennes University A & P license program, will be loaded to a deserving student. Since the chapter has successfully accumulated a full tool set, Gus would like to start a second set. Since the A & P program lasts two years, alternating the two sets would allow the chapter to assist one new student every year. Practically all that remains to be done is to select the worthy student.
Funding for the current future sets is coming from the 50/50 proceeds, member donations and proceeds from the auction of the donated toolbox. To see the toolbox, contact Gary Reynolds at 317-590-7059 or N98GR@aol.com. Minimum bid is $300. If you would like to make a donation to the fund, please send your check to the Vern Sullenger, chapter treasurer.
Jacksonville Homebuilt Restriction Challenged
Brian Kraut of Jacksonville FL has been fighting the issue since passed and is enlisting the support of fellow EAA members to get it overturned. Read his plea:
Subject: RV-List: Aircraft Zoning Issue
After fighting this for a long time we have finally gotten a council member to sponsor a repeal of the law. We need your support one more time to email or mail all of the council members to support ordinance 2007-0955, which is the repeal of zoning code section 656.420.
In their legislative summary it shows how many people have expressed an opinion on the bill and we want thousands of emails and letters of support. Something as simple as stating that you support bill 2007-0955 will suffice, but you are free to give all of your opinions. Pass this on to anyone else that you think could lend us some support. You can find the email addresses of the City Council members here: http://www.coj.net/City+Council/City+Council+members.htm
The latest news from the EAA is here: http://www.eaa.org/communications/eaanews/070830_jacksonville.html
The proposed repeal of the ordinance is here: http://citycirc.coj.net/coj/COJBillList.asp?Bill 07-0955
The City Council mailing address is: Jacksonville City Council, 117 West Duval St., Suite 425, Jacksonville, FL 32202
And our terribly unupdated web site is www.jaxairplane.com
Brian Kraut, www.jaxairplane.com
Think it couldn't happen here? Think again: How many people do you know who opposed the new airport? How many people do you know who think that little airplanes are potential terrorist weapons? How many people do you know who think it is the government's right to tell you what you can and can't do? Let's take a moment to write an email of support to Kraut's cause and set a precedent that similar ordinances there or anywhere else aren't in the communities' best interests.
New Chapter Name Tags Available
We have two simultaneous designs available for members. Those with an aircraft will be able to have a nametag with a photo of their aircraft in the lower left-hand corner. Members currently without an aircraft will have the EAA logo in front.
If you are new to the chapter or would like to have your nametag updated with a photo, please send an email to Michael Mossman at michaelandkatie@insightbb.com. We get it ready for the nametag at no cost to you. Restrictions for content and reproducibility will apply.
Chapter 1311 Builders' Local Resource Directory
AED Motorsport Products, 5375 W. 86th St., Indianapolis IN 46268, 317-334-0569 http://www.aedmotorsport.com. AED specializes in 4130 chrome moly, stainless, aluminum, titanium, FK rod ends and spherical bearings.
Chance Aviation, 4444 Decatur Blvd , Indianapolis, IN 46241, 317-486-8802, http://www.chanceaviation.com. Chance is a parts supplier tailored to the local FBO's,
Earl's Indy, 302 Gasoline Alley, Indianapolis IN 46222, 1-800-331-INDY http://www.earlsindy.com. Earl's specializes in hoses and related supplies and service, plus AN fittings and hardware.
McKinney Corp, Lafayette, IN http://www.mckinneycorp.com. They stock a wide variety of 4130 steel and 6061 aluminum tubing, AN hardware, NACA scoops, and other items
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).
September 2007 newsletter continued onto Section 2
By Glen Matejcek
Well, it's that time of year again. The election committee, consisting of Dave Helton, Paul Vogel and me, has been given its annual task of coming up with a slate of candidates for the next year's offices. We're looking for a few good EAA'ers to step forward and run for these positions.
Gus Gustafson's new project, the Eric Gustafson Tool Scholarship, is now nearly complete. The chapter started with a donated Snap-On toolbox that's too big for the aviation program. The chapter will auction the toolbox, with the proceeds to help pay for the rest of the tools. Several chapter members have donated some tools. With the chapter's blessing, Gary Reynolds bought the rest of the tools, many at significant discount.
Gus bought a new, proper-sized toolbox to start of the set. Upon opening it he discovered that it was damaged so he's taken it back to be replaced.
Here on the west side of Indianapolis we enjoy some relatively unrestricted rights to build and restore aircraft on our property. We all have read about the draconian ordinance passed in Jacksonville FL a year prohibiting building, restoring or storing an aircraft on a zoned property unless it was completely enclosed in a building.
Many of you have helped us in the past to try and defeat the ordinance that was passed in Jacksonville about a year ago that basically makes it illegal to work on any aircraft, experimental or otherwise, in the privacy of your home in Jacksonville or to store one on residentially-zoned property unless it is in a completely enclosed building.
EAA Chapter 1311 now has its nametags 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'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?
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.