October's meeting
October's meeting was held October 7, 2009, 6:30 p.m., in the Operations Building at Hendricks County Airport, and chaired by Chapter President Dale Gustafson.
In Attendance: John Broyles, Skip Budny, Dave Clark, Mark Eminger, Dale Gustafson, Bob Henderson, Mike Laurenzano, Jim Lewis, Chuck Long, Michael Mossman, Bryan Ruberson, David Stucker and Vern Sullenger. If you were there but we didn't record it, let us know.
Guests: Sheryl Cole and Faye Gustafson.
President's remarks, by Faye Gustafson: John Beetham has been sick lately and has had fluid retention, presumably from his kidney transplant. John had been in the hospital but came home last night (10/6/09), and now has developed liver problems. Dave Clark: Paul Vogel thought he had arthritis but discovered he has bone cancer. He was at the Oshkosh work parties. Paul got sick after radiation treatments has pneumonia but now is doing better. He is in the hospital and is in very good spirits. Clark reports that Vogel has a treatable cancer.
Treasurer's Report: Vern Sullenger reports that the chapter has $2,303.83 in the bank plus cash collected from the last meeting and this one to deposit.
Secretary's report: Michael Mossman read the minutes from the August meeting and announced upcoming events: Seymour IN fly-in 10/10/09, Noblesville fly-in 10/11/09, Holiday Party with HCAA 12/1/09, AOPA seminar 10/8/09.
Tool Box Report: Dave Clark reported that the lady student with toolbox was going to come to the meeting tonight but had class. Both toolboxes are in service.
Vice President's Report: Not present.
Election Report: Michael Mossman announced the current slate of candidates. See story later, this newsletter.
New Business: John Broyles reported on the FAA Safety meeting for technicians at the Aviation Technology Center. The FAA will try to host a session once a month and gives certificates for completion. "The more we use it the more likely they will have more programs in the future," John says.
50/50: Skip Budny won half of the $22 collected and donated his winnings to the chapter.
Program: Sheryl Cole, who flew in the 2009 Women's Powder Puff Derby, was the featured speaker. See story towards end of newsletter.
To get a downloadable PDF membership application see http://www.eaa1311.org/PDF_files/membership_application.pdf
Chapter 1311 Election Slate Announced
Election slate:
We will be mailing ballots to chapter members at least a week before the November meeting. If you would like to run but are not on the current slate, please contact Michael Mossman at 765-336-4454 or email at michaelandkatie1@comcast.net as soon as possible so that you may be included. The ballots will also include provisions for write-in candidates.
SportAir Workshops Coming To Indianapolis
Fabric Covering — Poly-Fiber system is used. Students will work in preparation, gluing fabric, shrinking, attaching to ribs, taping, etc., then will patch a hole with repair procedures.
Composite Construction — For plans-built or kit aircraft. Discussion of core materials, reinforcement materials and different resin systems, Students will construct a portion of a canard wing and learn basic lay-up techniques. Bonding and layup with be done in the hands-on potions. Vacuum bagging and other advanced procedures will be discusses and demonstrated.
Sheet Metal Basics — For any sheet metal airplane kit. The course discusses types of aluminum, rivets, necessary tools, cutting and drilling, dimpling and countersinking. Students will build an airfoil section.
Electrical Systems, Wiring and Avionics — For an entire electrical system. Definition of terms, information on choosing proper wire size, how to route wire and circuit protection. Installation of avionics and antennas is covered.
Gas Welding — Practical welding theory and actual experience using oxyacetylene welding techniques for 4130 steel tubing.
Each workshop class runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and resumes on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A student may participate in only one workshop per weekend. Costs range from $259 to $289 for EAA members and $299 to $329 for non members.
An additional Saturday evening seminar, What's Involved in Kit Building, is a fact-filled discussions of regulations and paperwork, the required tools, workspace requirements, time commitment, financial investment and insurance considerations. The seminar may be taken along with another of the weekend workshops, and includes a pizza dinner. Cost in $25, and two family members may accompany the participant.
All workshops will be held at Vincennes University's Aviation Technology Center, located on the Indianapolis International Airport. For more information or to make a reservation, visit http://www.sportair.com or call 1-800-967-5746.
Joint Holiday Party With HCAA Planned
The party will start with a social hour from 6 to 7 p.m., with dinner beginning at 7 p.m. Cost is $17.50 per person.
Primo West is located at 2353 E. Perry Road, which is just north of I-70 and east of SR 267.
Wilma will need a head count, along with your check by November 20. Send your check made out to HCAA to Wilma Winings, 2685 S 300 E, Danville IN 46122
Primo West is located at 2353 E. Perry Road, which is just north of I-70 and east of SR 267.
The chapter will mail out invitations with directions after the November meeting.
Revised "51 Percent" Policy Good News for Builders, Kit Makers
These documents are the result of a concerted effort led by the EAA community, homebuilders, the kitbuilding industry and other stakeholders. The documents not only update and clarify the amateur-built aircraft building process, they remove the fear many had of not being able to build and fly their own aircraft as before.
Joe Norris, EAA's homebuilders community manager, perhaps said it best: "The new policy is very reflective of the thousands of comments that were sent in by EAA members and amateur builders across the board," he said. "We feel that this new policy is not only a victory for EAA and homebuilders, but also a victory for FAA because it gives them better tools to enforce the regulation and make sure everyone is working under the same set of rules."
EAA President Tom Poberezny said he is "extremely pleased" with the result. "It reinforces the importance of the amateur-built aircraft program to the overall aviation industry. It highlights the integrity of what has been accomplished over the years in terms of the amateur-built program, the development of kits, and overall safety," he said. "It's also an example of collaboration between members of the amateur-built community, EAA and government, specifically FAA.
"The final result is in the best interest of the aviation community too, and promotes the opportunity to design and build the airplane of your dreams."
The EAA's 51% Rule Checklist
2. Protects or "grandfathers" already approved existing aircraft kit products
3. Standardized and uniform evaluation of new kits
4. Eliminate proposed requirement of specific percentages of fabrication and/or assembly work by builders
5. FAA publishes detailed definition of "fabrication"
6. Retain task-based checklist
7. Commercial assistance authorize3d if the builder complies with major portion (51%) regulation
The changes to the policy address concerns about:
The FAA proposal also included a "fabrication" requirement that was ill-defined and could have been hard to enforce. Additionally, kits already available from manufacturers were in danger of having to be modified to comply with the new percentage policy.
"If adopted, the FAA's proposal would have a dampening effect on participation in amateur-building activities," said Earl Lawrence, EAA vice president of industry and regulatory affairs. "That, in turn, would adversely affect kit manufacturers and suppliers of engines, parts, equipment, and accessories. A considerable segment of general aviation could have experienced a downturn."
The response of EAA members and the amateur-built industry compelled the FAA to assemble a second ARC in the fall of 2008 to give further recommendations on a new policy. The just-released policy maintains many of the tenants of homebuilding that enthusiasts enjoy including:
Arriving at 6I4 that morning, joined up with Chad Williams, who was flying his Cessna 172, John Komnick with his Cessna 175, Kristen Henke with her Maule MX-7, Steve McClure in his Citabria, and Gary Rogers with his Cessna 150. The group all departed at varying times so there was no formation flying that day but we all arrived at Glenndale at about the same time.
Glenndale is a nice little grass community airport. They have a "control tower" on top of one of the bigger hangars, keeping tabs on all of the flying events. Every year they have had a DJ playing music during the entire event, and an announcer describing the flying and promoting the rides in various aircraft.
Glenndale's menu consisted of cheeseburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, macaroni & cheese, desserts and drinks. After lunch we checked out the various airplanes that either flew in or were based at the field. One that particularly caught our eyes this year was a brand new Champ.
After ogling over the nicely equipped shop and home-brew mechanism, the time came to head home. We had a meeting at 3 p.m. then set-up for the club's annual Dog Roast.
Next weekend, Lee Bottom Field's Wood Fabric & Tailwheels fly-in, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, is the biggest event in the Midwest other than Oshkosh. After attending a few years ago with three other guys from my home field, we vowed to come back every year. So for two years straight we organized a group to fly down on Friday afternoon and camp overnight. Again this year we had a nice-sized group ready to go. But Indiana weather hasn't been cooperating for fly-ins this year. Southern Indiana had some heavy rain for most of the week before the event. Even though the runway was solid and flyable, the rest of the grounds were water logged. Concerned about the safety of those flying in and the long term effects on the property, Rich and Ginger Davidson reluctantly had to cancel the event, posting the notice on their website. Many who checked the website regularly for fly-in updates spread the word around.
The next weekend, on Saturday, October 3, Paoli Municipal Airport had planned their annual Aviation Day Fly-In. This looked like another fun event to go to so I got my DUATS flight briefing that morning before heading out to the airport. The winds were about 10 knots early but were expected to gust up to 20 knots in the afternoon, just about the time I would be heading home. Paoli is an interesting airport. It sits on top of a hill. If you approach the airport from the north, you'll see that the runway ends right at the face of a cliff. And it is bordered by trees on three sides. With some squirrelly winds all around, the likelihood of sinking air on the approach end and crosswinds expected to pick up beyond my airplane's demonstrated limits, Paoli wasn't looking that good. Besides, the ceilings were low. So once again this year I had to cancel my fly-out plans.
Katie and I got started OK but Chuck's Jabiru engine refused to light. He waved us on and pushed back to the hangar. A few minutes on the battery charger solved his problems but by that time Katie and I were in the cool air and winging our way eastward.
After a very short flight we slipped into the pattern for runway 27 over Noblesville. Arriving just a few minutes before noon, the field was definitely not crowded but airplanes were starting to line up in the pattern behind us. We were directed to a front row parking spot by their ever-present volunteers.
After a quick visit with Gus and some other friends we headed over to the hangar where the chapter was serving their barbecue. The line was very short when we arrived; perhaps the cool weather discouraged some of the crowd. Regardless, all of the parking spaces for cars were filled so at least the drive-in traffic showed up.
Sitting in the cool hangar this year was a different experience; years ago Noblesville always seemed to run into rain on the barbecue day; in the past couple of years the temperature was in the 80s with cloudless skies. This year it felt more like autumn. Nice.
Like always, the time came when we had to return home. We boarded N905KM and taxied to the west end of the field for runway 9. With a right departure out we flew over the north side of Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville, Whitestown and finally to 6I4 for a greaser on the grass, closing a great but abbreviated fly-in season.
Correspondents Needed
We are looking especially for correspondents for some of the upcoming fly-ins. If you are heading to any fly-ins this year, would you please consider submitting a story and photo or two about the event? The newsletter editor will be out of town on Labor Day weekend and will not be able to cover the Marion fly-in. We'd love to hear about it and hope that one of our members or readers will be there and write about it. Please contact the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie1@comcast.net.
Chapter 1311 Builders' Local Resource Directory
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).
Boone County Airport News
New ratings: Jimmy Laser earned his private pilots license Tuesday.
Transactions: John Komnick sold his Cessna 175 and is now looking for a GlaStar Sportsman 2+2 or an RV-8. Chad Williams' Cessna 172, which suffered a bird strike in the summer, in is Michigan for skin replacement and a new paint job. The work is expected to be completed about November 1.
Hangar Space: There is one open-air hangar available; a small aircraft like a Cessna 150 or Piper Cherokee will fit but a twin won't. 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 at http://www.booneairport.org.
Young Eagles News
Ford enjoyed his time as chairman of the Young Eagles and talked about how his renewed involvement in aviation has been rewarding, "I didn't come to aviation until late in my life, I flew a bit in college, but I couldn't afford it. Later on I became interested in aviation." Ford said, "I was 52 years old and I wanted to learn something new. I think in a way aviation helped me re-invent my lifeŠ. The most important thing I've done to this point is to work with the EAA and the Young Eagles program."
EAA Chairman/President Tom Poberezny, who launched the EAA Young Eagles Program in 1992, thanked Ford for his leadership and talked about why the new co-chairmen were selected, "Harrison and I were delighted when Sully and Jeff agreed to co-chair the program," Poberezny said. "They were ideal candidates not only because of the skill they demonstrated on that fateful day in January but also, and perhaps more significantly, because of the leadership they've shown since that time." Later in the evening Poberezny hosted a special dinner recognizing Ford for his service and welcoming the program's new co-chairs.
Sullenberger and Skiles accepted the offer to lead the program in discussions with Poberezny and Ford that took place during this year's EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Sully Sullenberger shared the story of the first time he soloed an airplane and how he wants to share that feeling with other young people, "It's that passion, it's that freedom that I want to share with others" Sullenberger said. "Flying has been great to me and its great fun. That's why we're here."
For Skiles, a rekindled enthusiasm for flight fueled his acceptance of the co-chair role. "What we [Sullenberger and me] would like to do with the Young Eagles program is exemplify and promote the idea that training, preparation, and teamwork, which is so much a part of what we do as aviation professionals, can really benefit anybody, even young people trying to decide what to do with their lives, not necessarily in aviation.
One other highlight of the Young Eagles presentations on Tuesday was the announcement of a $100,000 EAA scholarship endowment in Harrison Ford's name. Jim and Angela Thompson, longtime EAA members and supporters, made the commitment to honor Harrison for his Young Eagles efforts. The endowment also contained a matching-funds challenge to the flying community, and several aviation enthusiasts have already expressed interest in contributing to the fund. This scholarship will be a superb way to recognize Harrison's dedication to the future generations of flight, and we appreciate Jim and Angela's commitment to the Young Eagles program and young people.
The EAA Young Eagles Program, now in its 17th year, has flown nearly 1.5 million youth, with the help of a corps of 42,000 EAA members/pilots and thousands more volunteer ground support personnel. In addition to Ford, previous EAA Young Eagles Program chairs were: Oscar-winning actor and avid pilot Cliff Robertson (1992-1993); and aviation legend Chuck Yeager (1994-2003). EAA announced Tuesday (September 29) Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, known for their emergency landing in the Hudson River in January, as the new co-chairmen of the EAA Young Eagles Program. EAA member, pilot, and famed actor Harrison Ford, having served for five years as the chairman of this program that inspires and educates youth by sharing with them the inspirational of aviation activities, introduced his replacements in a news conference at the Santa Monica Airport, in California.
From EAA website
EAA Young Eagles Update: By newsletter publication date more than 1,499,549 Young Eagles have taken their first airplane ride.
Newsletter continued on Section 2
Web Newsletter in Two Sections
The web newsletter is divided into two sections to take some of the sting out of the download time. If you receive only one section of the newsletter, or if the sections you receive are missing the embedded photo attachments please contact the newsletter editor at michaelandkatie1@comcast.net. The PDF version that gets posted on the website will remain as one file. See http://www.eaa1311.org/newsletters.html to download a PDF newsletter.
Welcome New Members
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.
Chapter 1311 now has a full slate of candidates for the November election, which will select the officers and directors for the 2010 year. Announced candidates are:
President: Vern Sullenger
Vice President: Doug Hatfield
Secretary: Michael Mossman
Treasurer: Doug Moncreiff
Directors: Mark Eminger, Dale Gustafson, Dave Helton, Mike Laurenzano, Chuck Long, Gary Reynolds, Bryan Ruberson, David Stucker, Paul Vogel
The EAA's Aircraft Builders Workshops traveling show will be coming to Indianapolis for the weekend of November 7-8. The workshops teach the basic skills in their subject area, with a variety of subjects offered. Weekend classes include:
Chapter 1311 will be co-hosting its annual Holiday Party with the Hendricks County Aviation Association on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. Wilma Winings, social director, has booked Primo West in Plainfield for the party.
From EAA E-Hotline
October 7, 2009 — For the past four years, EAA and the amateur-built aircraft community have been facing perhaps the most significant threat ever faced by the homebuilt movement. But today, we're confident in declaring that the threat is over; the FAA this week released the long-awaited final order that revises the amateur-built aircraft certification policy known as the 51 percent rule as well as Advisory Circular 20-27G, the guide for amateur builders on how to properly certify every step of the building process.
1. Amateur may built and fly aircraft of virtually any specification or complexity
The revised policy is a satisfying accomplishment for EAA, kit manufacturers, and builders who responded strongly to the first policy drafts issued by the FAA in 2008. Those drafts diverted from the initial recommendations of the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), comprised of FAA and industry representatives including EAA. In that proposed policy, the FAA would have required builders to provide documentation that they had complied with a three-part, percentage-based formula (known as 20-20-11) to ensure they had performed a majority of the "build" work on their aircraft.
Hitting the Fly-In Circuit
By Michael Mossman
Glenndale Airport (Kokomo IN) has held their annual Glenndale Days on varying weekends every year. Some years their three-day event has been during the blusterly cool October, and other years in the heat of September. This year they held it on the third weekend of September. So on Saturday, September 19, Chuck Leucht and I planned on hitting the fly-in.
The weather that day was mostly sunny and cool, so the flight over was comfortable, although the thermals started picking up early in the afternoon.
The folks at Glenndale always put on a friendly little fly-in, which is a fundraiser for the S.M.A. Foundation, with plenty of things to see and do. Some years they have had a P-51 Mustang fly in; other years they have had various aerobatic airplane fly for demonstrations and upside-down joy riding. Again this year they had a AT-6 hopping rides for a donation, and several skydivers dropped in for the fun.
One of the strangest things at Glenndale was a hangar door opener, which was built around the transmission from a lawn tractor. The builder had rigged the transmission to turn a spindle, which had ropes wound around it to lift up the full-width bi-fold door. You gotta check it out.
The weather had definitely improved on Sunday, October 11, for Noblesville EAA Chapter 67's annual fall barbeque and fly-in. Katie and I have hit this every year for several years; it's always a "must attend" on our calendar. So with a favorable DUATS report, we headed out to the airport, preflighted the plane and prepared to depart for a two-ship formation flight with Chuck Long to Noblesville.
The visibility that day was stunning, perhaps 30 miles or more of clear sky in all directions. As expected, the air was a bit bumpy but tolerable. Since fall weather came a bit earlier this year, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery below, as the autumn colors were just a week or so away from their peak beauty.
The chapter was serving their roast hog barbeque as sandwiches, complimented with baked beans, macaroni & cheese, cole slaw and an extensive array of extremely tempting desserts. They also offered hot dogs at a reduced price for the little ones. Katie and I filled our plates, found a table in the hangar and feasted.
Eventually, Chuck showed up with Charles Westerfield. We toured the field for a while, admiring the wide assortment of airplanes that flew in for the food and fun. Katie really has a thing for the big biplanes. Maybe that's a hint for what my next project should look like!
Chapter 1311 is always looking for correspondents and contributors to our monthly newsletter. Whenever you have a story or photo that would be of interest to our readers, we would like to publish it.
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 michaelandkatie1@comcast.net
Activities: The Boone County Airport Association held its fourth annual Dog Roast for members and volunteers on Saturday, September 19. About 50 members and guests came out for the evening of fun, food and flying. This year, noted local musician Jeff Rance provided entertainment for the group.
Sullenberger and Skiles to lead EAA Young Eagles Program
September 29, 2009 — EAA announced Tuesday (September 29) Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, known for their emergency landing in the Hudson River in January, as the new co-chairmen of the EAA Young Eagles Program. EAA member, pilot, and famed actor Harrison Ford, having served for five years as the chairman of this program that inspires and educates youth by sharing with them the most inspirational of aviation activities, introduced his replacements in a news conference at the Santa Monica Airport, in California.