November's meeting
November's meeting was held November 4, 2009, 6:30 p.m., in the Operations Building at Hendricks County Airport, and chaired by Chapter President Dale Gustafson.
In Attendance: Jim Buist, Skip Budny, Dave Clark, Mark Eminger, Dale Gustafson, Thomas Jacobs, Mike Laurenzano, Glen Matejcek, Michael Mossman, Mark Rinehart, Gary Reynolds, Vern Sullenger, Jim Snyder, David Stucker and Jim Winings. If you were there but we didn't record it, let us know.
Guests: Dave Parks.
President's remarks: John Beetham is back in the hospital but the problem is not in his kidney transplant. One of his medications made his potassium level dangerously low. He is now down to one pill per day, and the doctors are hopeful that they have it under control. John might be cleared to attend the chapter Christmas Party but they won't know for certain until about the time of the party.
Paul Vogel update: Paul Vogel had planned to show his Sonex as the program for the past several meetings but had been unable to do so because of his cancer therapy. Dave Clark reported that Paul was always healthy and trim, and was in Oshkosh in June at a work party. In August and MRI found bone cancer; the radiation treatment caused debilitation. Paul could not tolerate the chemotherapy and developed pneumonia. Gary Reynolds would like to take the lead on finishing Paul's Sonex. He worked with Paul when he needed help. Gary thinks that the airplane is about 75% complete. Someone in the family needs to take ownership of the project but nothing has been discussed yet. The chapter can take on the project but individual members can help. Vern Sullenger thought that it might be better for the family to sell the project "as is" and state that the people would be available to help finish it if the project remained in the area.
Erika LeBaron update: Dave Clark reports that Erika LeBaron suffered a rupture of a small blood vessel in her brain. The doctors don't know what caused it but they do not want to operate on her at this time. They believe that her body will re-absorb the blood and she should recover fully, although it could take 2-to-4 months to do so. The chapter members in attendance signed a "get well soon" card for her.
Treasurer's Report: Vern Sullenger reports that the chapter has $2,089.89, with all bills paid.
Secretary's report: A reading of the October minutes was waived.
Tool Box Report: Dave Clark reported that Vincennes University could use another tool box at the school, perhaps with Paul Vogel's unused tools and make it a memorial toolbox. Clark reported that the two students at the university who are using the chapter's toolboxes are doing OK. One is a guy from Evansville in his 40s and out of the Army. Dave says he is a neat guy who is a minister, has no tools, and this is his first class. Vern Sullenger moved to establish and third toolbox in memory of the Vogel family and authorize Dave Clark to contact the family. Mike Laurenzano seconded. Gary Reynolds reported that completing a toolbox would take about $600; Clark reported that Vincennes University tells students to expect $1,100 to $1,200 for a complete kit. All voted in favor of the motion.
Vice President's Report: Not given.
Election Report: Chapter Secretary Michael Mossman conducted the election of 2010 officers and board members and announced the results.
New Business: Jim Snyder says that the HCAA has recently cleared out the mini barn on the airport property and now has more room to store chairs and other items. They are not inclined to spend more on another barn at this time. Dale Gustafson added that the chapter has money in the storage barn and therefore needs a key to open it. Also, the airport authority wants new furniture in the operations building at 2R2 but doesn't have anything in the budget. Gustafson reports that the chapter again has 2010 calendars for sale; the price this year will be $10 each and 13 are left. Vern Sullenger still has chapter hats for sale at $12. Gustafson commented that the chapter has 50 chairs and needs to organize a painting party.
Project Update: Mark Rinehart bought a Rotax 582 engine for this Kolb Mark II Classic project and needs help with the engine installation.
Christmas Party: Jim Snyder reminded the members that the Chapter Christmas Party will be held in conjunction with the HCAA Party on December 2, 2009, at Primo West in Plainfield. Anyone attending will need to get their reservation and check for $17.50 per person to Wilma Winings no later than November 20.
50/50: Not held.
Program: Dale Gustafson played a DVD entitled "Safe Hand Propping" and commented on the development of the video. 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 Results
The chapter had nine people volunteer to run for the seven board of directors slots.
28 of the chapter's 50 members returned ballots in time for the election, which is a 56% participation rate.
The results: Vern Sullenger, president; Doug Hatfield, vice president; Michael Mossman, secretary; Doug Moncreiff, treasurer; Mark Eminger, Dale Gustafson, Dave Helton, Mike Laurenzano, Chuck Long, Gary Reynolds, and David Stucker, directors.
Also running for director and receiving a competitive amount of votes were Bryan Ruberson and Paul Vogel.
Thanks to all candidates for vying for a leadership position in the chapter, and congratulations to the winners.
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 by November 20, 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.
Ask Your Tech Counselor
"Owners of an SLSA (AMD-built) Zodiac must comply with the factory-issued Safety Alert. Owners of a self-built "Experimental" Zodiac are officially the manufacturer of their aircraft and are therefore technically free to install (or not) the upgrades. As the designer of the aircraft, I am strongly urging all owners who operate their CH 601 XL/CH 650 to install the upgrades now being proposed before the next flight. You, more than anyone, know how damaging and demoralizing the doubts and questions regarding the aircraft have been; how they have affected the confidence that many have in the design. Stronger airplanes and better prepared pilots should help us all restore the reputation and desirability of these airplanes you have put so much of yourself into. If for no other reason, install the "Upgrade Package" to maximize resale value of your project: I anticipate that the cost of the Upgrade will be much lower that the increase in resale value."
The ADs consist of beefing up the structure where the spar joins the fuselage, adding aileron balance weights to reduce the chance of flutter, and a check list of items (including checking the tension of control cables), and other items that will insure the aircraft is safe for flight.
For more information, see:
Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin https://owa.enovationgraphics.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgSAIB.nsf/(LookupSAIBs)/CE-10-08?OpenDocument
Safety alert dated November 7th, 2009 http://www.newplace.com/amd_downloads/SAFETY%20ALERT%20November%207%202009.pdf
independent analysis http://www.zenithair.com/zodiac/xl/data/doc369.pdf
Drawings outlining the upgrade http://www.zenithair.com/zodiac/xl/data/6-ZU-1-2-3%20NOV%208.pdf
Condensed from an article by Joe Norris, EAA Homebuilders Community Manager
Chapter Member Receives Airworthiness Certificate
Leucht now has about 39.5 hours to go with his Phase 1 flighttesting. We hope to have a full report on the flight characteristics and building history in the December newsletter.
Paul Vogel Was Born To Fly
Vogel said about the time that, as the State of Indiana's Chief Pilot, he flew Governor "Doc" Bowen and his wife, Beth to Washington D.C. just after his election. Paul was waiting near the aircraft for the return flight to Indiana in the King Air, when a forklift deposited several rolls of flooring carpets near the plane. It turned out that while Doc was politicking, Beth was shopping! She bought the carpet for their new home and wanted to bring it home in the "Big Airplane." Paul figured the gross weight and weight and balance carefully and told them the only way they could bring the "new stuff" home. Doc and Beth had to take the two first two passenger seats, then the carpets were loaded, stacked one on top of the other in the aisle. Paul had to crawl over the carpets with only a few feet of clearance to the cockpit. He said the flight was uneventful and Mrs. Bowen was very happy.
After Paul retired fro the State Police, he flew many charter flights for several companies. He later became the personal pilot for the famous football personality, Dick Butkas. Paul said that Dick did not like his wife to smoke. After the flights would begin, Dick would fall asleep. Then, Mrs. Butkas would come into the cockpit and close the curtain and smoke.
Paul also flew fishermen and hunters into some bush-type airports. He once flew some fishermen into a small grass strip in Canada where the local Indians had placed large rocks that were intended to cause a plane crash. The Indians would then take the plane apart and sell the pieces. Paul said that he narrowly missed the boulders but made some pretty fancy moves to miss them. He then had the job of walking the entire field and trying to remove enough boulders so he could make a safe take off.
Paul Vogel was born to fly, as his family name "vogel" means "bird" in both German and Dutch. Among the many aviation organizations he belong to were the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Quiet Birdmen and EAA Chapter 1311. Paul was one of the founding members of Chapter 1311, was a treasurer from the early on in the organization and served as a director and holding a leadership position throughout his membership.
Paul Vogel was born to fly. He was a licensed pilot in fixed wing, helicopters and jets, with more than 14,5000 hours of flying time. He held all ratings except rigid airship because there is not rating for that.
Vogel partnered with Dave Clark in a very nice Tri-Pacer several years ago. Clark wasn't interested in a partnership but reconsidered, as he said that Vogel was the only person he would partner with. In 2003, Vogel and Clark represented the state of Indiana in EAA's "50 Flags to Kitty Hawk" project, in celebration of the Wright Broghers' first powered flight in 1903. Paul used a little hand-held hiker's GPS as the major navigation tool and kept the two on course every step of the way. After delivering the flag to the Park Rangers at Kitty Hawk, the two were walking past Kill Devil Hill. Dave asked Paul if he wanted to walk up to the top. He said, "let's don't and say we did." They did just that. The next month, the two gave a chapter program on their experiences during the January 2004 meeting (see January 2004 newsletter story).
Interested in learning more about aviation and having a natural talent for mechanics, Vogel enrolled in Vincennes University's Aviation technology program on the retired seniors program and earned an airframe and power plant certificate in April in 2006. Paul was a very good student and many of the younger folks loved to hear him talk about his flying adventures. Many times, during the lectures, the professors would ask Paul to comment on various types of aircraft or systems operations he had used in his flying career.
Vogel's life-long dream had been to build an airplane. At approximately age 76 he began work on a Sonex kit aircraft, having completed the airframe, bring the project to about 75% ready to fly. He often returned to Vincennes University's sheet metal lab rooms to "bend this" or "drill out than." He was also interested in alternative engines and had a pair of converted Volkswagen engines to use on the Sonex. Vogel had spent many years in contact with some European firms who were developing alternatives aircraft engines, including Wankel variants and small turbines.
Vogel continued with his interest in aviation and willingness to volunteer, and often worked at EAA work parties in Oshkosh, most recently as June of 2009. He was crawling around above the ceiling putting some panels in and working with the electrical wiring. He was always willing to help anyone with any project or task they needed help with. He opened up his home garage/workshop to the chapter several times to show the progress on his Sonex project and patiently answered questions. He bravely pointed out the mistakes and talked candidly about what he would have done differently.
When Paul died on October 26 at age 81, he was survived by his wife, Betty, two sons and daughters, two brothers and two sisters, many in-laws and three grandchildren. He was a member of the Avon United Methodist Church, and had been honored as a Sagamore of the Wabash for his years of service to the state of Indiana.
Vogel lived an honorable life in service of his state and country and was greatly loved by his family and admired and respected by all who knew him. The Friday before his death, four EAA Chapter 1311 members visited Paul in the rehabilitation center where he was staying. They visited him from about 4:00 p.m. until about 7:15 p.m. Dave Clark asked him several times if he was tired and he said he was fine and continued to visit with all of them very energetically.
Paul Vogel was born to fly.
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.
Aviation Physics Debunked
Please check at the end of this newsletter for the new, corrected diagram illustrating the four forces on any aircraft in flight.
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 Aircraft:Chuck Leucht's RV-9A received its airworthiness Certificate on November 12, 2009, and first flew the next day, Friday, November 13.
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
Aircraft Spotter
Thanks to Mike Foushee, EAA Chapter 729 newsletter editor
Calendar of Events
October 22-24, 2009 — Casa Grande AZ — Copperstate Fly-In, Casa Grande Municipal Airport (CGZ) http://www.copperstate.opg
October 23-25, 2009 — Evergreen AL — Southeast Regional Fly-In, Middleton Field Airport (GZH), http://www.serfi.org
January 21-24, 2010 — Sebring FL — U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, Sebring Regional Airport (SEF), http://www.sport-aviation-expo.com
April 8-11, 2010 — Friedrichshafen Germany — Aero Friedrichshafen, Messe Friedrichshafen, http://www.aero-friedrichshafen.com/html/en
April 13-18, 2010 — Lakeland FL — Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL). http://www.sun-n-fun.org
May 22-23, 2010 — Suffolk VA — Virginia Regional Festival of Flight, Suffolk Executive Airport (SFQ). http://www.virginiaflyin.org
June 11-13, 2010 — Marysville CA — Golden West Regional Fly-In and Air Show, Yuba County Airport (MYV). http://www.goldenwestflyin.org
July 7-11, 2010 — Arlington WA — Arlington Fly-In, Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO). http://www.arlingtonflyin.org.
July 26-August 1, 2010 — Oshkosh WI — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wittman Regional Airport (OSH). http://www.airventure.org
TBO — Denver CO — Colorado Sport International Air Show and Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In, Rocky Mountain metropolitan Airport (BJC). http://www.cosportaviation.org
For details on EAA Chapter fly-ins and other local aviation events, visit http://www.eaa.org/events
Next Meeting
On the Radar:
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.
After five years as the president of EAA Chapter 1311, Dale "Gus" Gustafson has earned his retirement. During this past summer's nomination committee search, Gus announced that he wasn't running for president anymore. Vern Sullenger stepped up and has offered to take the helm for 2010. Vern had been the treasurer since January, 2004, leaving another office up for grabs. Former vice president and current board member Doug Moncreiff offered to manage the coffers. Michael Mossman volunteered to remain as secretary.
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.
Aviation on the Web
Glen Matejcek provides this month's web link, which is of the Freeman Field Recovery Team, whose mission is to retrieve items of historical value in order to promote the Freeman Field story. David Gray, who was a Chapter 1311 program presenter (see May 2006 newsletter), is leading the group to recovering and preserving aircraft and equipment that was buried at Freeman Field in Seymour IN during and after WW-II. During the war, Freeman Field was using for training thousands of multi-engine pilots. Towards the end of the war, captured enemy aviation materiel came to the field for evaluation and research, making Freeman Field the greatest depository in the world for Luftwaffe technology, In 1947, Freeman Army Airfield's military role ended and the property was turned over to the city of Seymour. Using modern technology, the group hopes to recover many of the rare aircraft that is allegedly buried there. Visit http://www.freemanfieldrecoveryteam.com to learn more about this fascinating effort.
The FAA had recently issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin for the Zenith CH 601XL Light Sport Aircraft. Chris Heintz, designer of the CH 601XL and CH 650 aircraft issued a document addressing the issue. Although he had independent testing to insure that the design met his safety standards, he has agreed to recommend that all owners of these aircraft — including experimentals — comply with the AD:
Chapter 1311 member Chuck Leucht's RV-9A, registered as N910PC, received its airworthiness Certificate on November 12, 2009, from DAR Tony Cecere. Originally started by Arvel Turner, Leucht took over the project in the summer of 2007. He swapped the Mazda engine for a Lycoming 320 core, rebuilding it over a winter and added a new Sensenich propeller. Leucht had a few remaining insurance hurdles to clear postponing his first flight at least one day. His insurance agent called him on Friday and told him that he was covered.
On Friday, November 13, Chuck spend some time flying with Mark Hyten in his Cessna Aerobat, then did at least five take offs and landings in a Cherokee, getting him tuned up for his first flight. Later than afternoon, he departed down runway 18 at Boone County Airport, breaking ground in about 400 feet and climbing rapidly. During the first flight, Leucht reported that the airplane flew practically hands-off and all engine parameters were in the green. He claimed that the Dynon airspeed matched the AI on the steam gauge. The only reported problem was that the airplane didn't seem to want to slow down or lose altitude. After a smooth landing and a brief rest and quick check of the airplane, Leucht did a couple more take offs and landings while the run was over the horizon, getting himself current in the RV-9A.
EAA Chapter 1311 member Paul Vogel was born to fly. He was born in the Evansville area and attended Evansville University for 1-1/2 years. He joined the U.S. Army, and later served as a trooper with the Indiana State Police, then becoming a pilot, taking his flying lessons on the G.I. Bill. Vogel was the first pilot with the Indiana State Police, helping to establish their aviation division and flew their first airplane, a Cessna 140., and flew many of the state dignitaries and governors during his tenure as a state police pilot. He retired from the state police after 24 years with the rank of major. Following retirement, he flew a corporate pilot.
Paul was flying the State Police C-140 when he found the wreckage of the Lockheed Electra that crashed near Tell City many years ago. Paul said there was very little evidence of an airplane at the crash site, just a very dark area where the plane had embedded itself into the ground. You can see Paul flying the 140 in a video program on "Across Indiana" that tells of the crash. Paul was flying a movie camera journalist when the sequence was shot. While with the State Police, Paul flew every aircraft they owned which included several twin engine aircraft, many helicopters, turboprops including King Airs, and anything they asked him to fly.
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.
In the past few years, several of the time-honored principles describing the physics of flight have been proved to be incorrect, namely, the Bernoulli principle has been shown that it doesn't correctly describe how a wing generates lift. Now, with modern computer modeling and backed with decades of empirical evidence, the following diagram, which has been taught to hundreds of thousands of flight students, has been deemed to be incorrect.
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
New ratings: 16-year-old Joe Stefanic soloed a Cessna 150 for the first time on November 1. John Komnick is Joe's flight instructor.
EAA Young Eagles Update: By newsletter publication date more than 1,507,961 Young Eagles have taken their first airplane ride.
It Takes All Kinds
Dunno if this is an unaltered photo or faked, but wouldn't it be funny if it were real?
Chapter 1311 will try to list the aviation-related events in Indiana and surrounding states, plus the major events across the country. Do you know of an event that isn't listed? Please inform the newsletter editor to get it included.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 2, 2009, 6:00 p.m., at Primo West in Plainfield. Program: Joint Holiday Party with the Hendricks County Aviation Association
December 2, 2009 — Joint Holiday Party with HCAA
January 6, 2010 — TBA