April 27, 2008 Minutes

The April meeting began with the Pledge, Vice President Steve Morse presiding in Karsten's absence. Thanks to Doug Killibrew for the barbecued pork steaks.

With no new members or visitors to introduce we got down to business with an update from Laura on the previous day's Young Eagles event, the first of the season. She arrived at 8:00 a.m. to find 38 U.S. Navy Sea Cadets and family waiting. They had spoken to someone in the chapter besides Bill Jagust or Laura so it was a surprise to find visitors present so early. Pilots and ground crew got right to work, but it looked like an uphill battle. Fortunately reinforcements arrived from a somewhat slower YE event held the same day. With the help of two more pilots we ended up flying 107 Young Eagles in four and a half hours. The Navy Cadets presented a donation of $150 in a brief ceremony. A memorable quote for the day came from one of Joe Sargent's passengers. After landing the boy very excitedly told his parents, "That man let me fly!"

Laura announced our next event: May 10 in Washington, Missouri. As in the past we'll work with Janet, a third grade teacher who does a unit on aviation. We expect twenty to fifty from her class. On June 14 we'll be back at the ARC for International Young Eagles day. Bill Jagust will again run his education booths.

Also, by June, we intend to retire our old Windows 95 laptop and dot matrix printer in favor of newer hardware. A new version of certificate printing software is out that will not run on our current machine. A newer printer will also make the process easier: right now it takes a bit of practice to get a certificate to output correctly on our faithful, if rather temperamental, printer. George Stephenson moved that we decide in May on whether to buy a used laptop or a new one. Dave McGougan seconded.

In other Young Eagles news, Leo Lang has flown his 100th Young Eagle. Also, look for Chapter 32 in an article in the June EAA magazine.

Leo updated us on his water investigation. Bob Holmes recommended a plumbing company who, for approximately $7300, can do the entire job of hooking the ARC into the airport water system. This includes trenching. The alternative is the treatment system at $3900. Though more expensive the first system is "turn-key": the treatment system will require periodic changes of chemicals and other maintenance. Steve Morse volunteered to contact Holmes for documentation so that we can find out exactly what this would entail. Jim Bower noted that, when using the airport's water, the burden of responsibility is not on EAA32. Their water, the same used by Kilroy's, is periodically tested. Bob has said that most houses in the area have a water treatment system because of E. Coli. If we do use airport water Karsten has suggested we pay the airport a set amount each month as this will be a service they provide.

Steve Morse reminded us that we've gotten to this point before on the system and advised us to wait on voting on the expenditure until we hear from Gary on the outcome of the tax situation. Gary was away for the April meeting. Motion was made and seconded to wait until we know about the taxes.

Following up on last month's lock decision, Ron will put reflective film on the windows. The new lock is here and awaiting installation as of the April meeting.

Bud Cole addressed the group. He has a desktop blueprint machine that operates on ammonia and can be used to duplicate blueprints and similar drawings. He's willing to donate this to the chapter. He also has a five by seven foot back lit copy table, good for tracing and reproducing plans. The top is plastic, and it folds to about thirty inches deep. Both machines are 100 miles away in Brush Hill and will require transport. We voted, 12 for and 9 opposed, to take the drafting table and will discuss the details of moving same in the May meeting. We then discussed the blueprint machine. Ron Wright has some familiarity with such devices, noting that it the smell is not bad and, given the correct paper, we could reproduce some of the plans and drawings we have in our library. Steve suggests further investigation.

Bill Jagust noted that Gale's next day of work after the April meeting would be his last prior to retirement.

We adjourned the meeting, after which Jim Bower gave a presentation on electrical wiring.

Dave Deweese, Secretary

March 30, 2008 Meeting Minutes

Meeting began with the pledge, Karsten Kessler presiding. Karsten announced that he will be away until August with the military.

With no takers on the call for visitors we got down to business. We have a new english wheel and planishing hammer, but need a stand for the hammer. Motion was made and we voted to spend $160 on a stand. Vince Meyer, Airport Advisory Board member, announced a board meeting on 3/31. Jim Bower brought copies of our newest roster.

Leo updated us on the water situation. Gary Kasten can run a trencher for the pipe that will carry water from the airport supply to the ARC. Holmes will hook this up, but as of the meeting date he was of town. Leo reports that he's due back April 2 and we can have a quote shortly thereafter.

The Mustang II is gone. Ron opened the building for our buyers who paid the asking price of $4500. They thought the plans we gave them might have been incomplete, Karsten asked if anyone in the chapter knows if anyone knows their location. Gale, who arrived later in the meeting, reports that the complete plans were included in the boxes that left with the project.

Tracy has announced an airport open house in late August, 8/23 and 8/24 time frame, and he'd like a big event for KSET. Per Vince, since our Young Eagles programs are a major attraction, he'd like us to host an event for the open house - check your calendars and be ready to volunteer. In addition there will be two food vendors in addition to Laurie, and possible fly-by's including experimental aircraft. Bill Jagust reminded us that local politicians will be present as they are considering KSET as the site for a future air show. While it's too late to arrange one for 2008, the 3/31 meeting and the August open house will be opportunities for considering the practicality of the airport for such an event. A suggestion was made to set a maximum number of Young Eagles flights. George Stephenson said that 300 might be possible if we could get all of our chapter pilots involved and include another chapter. Ramp space availability will be a consideration. Leo cautions that we should limit our involvement to running the Young Eagles event and not be involved in other aspects of the airport open house. Motion was made and we voted to run a Young Eagles event provided the KSET runs the actual open house.

In addition to the Young Eagles event in late August Laura reminded the chapter of others:

4/26 Will involve some scouts.
5/10 Washington, MO.
6/14 International Y.E. Day
9/16 Silver Swallows Event.

Laura announced that pilot packets are in the top of the Y.E. cabinet. They can be kept in an aircraft in the event you have the opportunity to fly some kids.

Dave McGougan and the Doherty's will work on an event to officially recognize our chapter's 50th anniversary.

6/29 is the unofficial date for the C-47 parachute jump. KSET will be closed for 45 minutes for the event. Our only involvement will be to provide space for such activities as parachute packing. Laurie will be feeding the jumpers.

We revisited the lock issue. Some discussion took place concerning internal misuse of the chapter versus external mischief, such as vandalism or theft - an important issue considering our many new tool acquisitions. Ron Wright suggested that we install reflective one-way mirror coating on our windows to discourage strangers who might look through for valuables. Heat and lights are internal misuse issues. George also mentioned the removal of labels from the kitchen cabinets as an argument in favor of a locking system that identifies who enters the building. Gary Kasten repeated his offer from last month to administer such a system.

Chris Seto made a PowerPoint presentation, presenting several options:

A biometric, fingerprint lock that would support approximately 300 people. The lock itself is approximately $600, the handheld programmer is another $300.

The Trilogy DL-2800 keypad. Each member gets a unique number. This supports 200 people and costs $600 for the entire system.

The B.S. key fob system which could also use a metal key. This also supports 200 people and costs $95 plus $7 per individual key fob.

The B.S. 200 is a keypad system that supports 299 users with a 4 - 11 digit code, cost is $150.

The UCA model, another key fob system. Supports 299 users at $300 and $4 per key fob.

Bill Doherty noted that the DL-2800 is recommended by locksmiths. Ernie observed that all the systems mentioned are battery-powered and that the battery is at the root of our last lock failure. Bill and Chris responded that these are all weather resistant locks designed for outdoor use versus internal keypads that might be found in an office. Dave moved to purchase the DL-2800, Leo seconded, and we voted on this $600 system. Bill will purchase this. Ron will install the one-way film.

Dave McGougan's company is discarding a 4 foot shear, only 5 years old, and asked if the chapter is interested. It is free.

Ron Burnett updated us on food coupons. He mentioned the possibility of a second account for the card program. Ron also updated us on the status of the Luscombe. He and son Mark went to the repair facility, Jerry and Mike Mays, aircraft restorers in Nebraska. He flew the plane back and reports it is better than before.

Gary and George mentioned hangar space that is currently available for around 6 planes, and might be used by Young Eagles pilots for temporary aircraft storage in case of bad weather. Gary also notes that the money for the Mustang II has gone into the chapter's account and suggested we might consider paying educational speakers.

Karsten read a letter the chapter received from the IRS. It confirmed that they have received our payment and apologizes for the late response: they are dealing with extra workload due to non-profit issues.

February 24, 2008 Meeting Minutes

The February 2008 meeting began with the Pledge, VP Steve Morse presiding in Karsten's absence. The weather was not quite as cooperative as in January so we ate hamburgers grilled indoors. Nobody flew in, and no new visitors to recognize, though we welcomed a returning member.

Deliberations began with a discussion of a new door locking system. Proposed solutions ranged from door closers and automatic locking, an activated deadbolt for example, to a badge key RFID door lock system with each member having a unique key card. The latter system would allow tracking, though it would be computer-based and require administration. After lengthy discussion we decided that more research and alternatives are needed to make a decision.

Leo updated us on the water system. Our choices are a purification system or tying into the airport's water. The latter will require us to lay a pipe and connect it to the ARC and the airport respectively. The chapter voted to connect to KSET's water. We have the expertise within the chapter to run a ditch digger for the pipe. George suggested we involve a professional plumber to make the actual connections, Leo will speak with Holmes and find out how much this will cost.

We then reviewed upcoming events, including the fact that we have not yet formally recognized the 50th anniversary of the Chapter 32. Steve asked that the membership consider possible dates and make suggestions at the March meeting. Our Young Eagle / Open House event on June 14 may be a good time for this. Bill Jagust noted that, with the recent demise of the St. Louis County Fair and Air Show, civic leaders from surrounding counties are on the lookout for future airshow sites and some may well be present at KSET in June.

Dave McGougan is heading up a committee for the June 29 parachute event. Please contact him if you'd like to be involved.

Chrissi of Cozy Girrrl's fame will provide specialized welding training for 3 or 4 people. To be included you must be willing to, in turn, teach others. Training will take place during the week to minimize distractions, and students will pay for materials used. We are going to need a metal bench to weld on.

Our next-door neighbor Herman, at Skylink Aviation, took issue with an article in the February newsletter. Bill Jagust wrote the piece and will speak with Herman.

Gary addressed money matters and reported our checking and savings balances. To address the current issue with the IRS, our volunteer accountant, Gary, has written them a personal check in order to halt any additional charges. He then filed an appeal in an attempt to reduce our amount owed. Pending the results we'll pay Gary.

In another dollars and cents matter we have sold the Mustang II project. An interested party put a $500 deposit down on the $4500 asking price.

Finally we voted to buy an English wheel from Harbor Freight. This will reside in the ARC with our expanding collection of tools and gadgets.

Motion was made, and the meeting adjourned.

January 27, 2008 Meeting Minutes

We had an unexpectedly warm day for the January 2008 meeting, inspiring Dave McGougan to roll out the grill and cook up some hotdogs and hamburgers. Added to the pot luck already scheduled we enjoyed quite a lunch.

Karsten was still on his way at 1400, so for old time's sake, I played substitute meeting starter.

The meeting began with the pledge, then new members and visitors. In juggling notes and presiding I neglected to note identities, though I did get some details: One fellow is a hop, a skip, and a check ride away from his Sport Pilot certificate. The other is a friend of Mr. Bill. Welcome both of you and forgive my not writing down names.

Speaking of Sport Pilot, Greg Issit has just achieved this rating. Congratulations, and thanks to John Teipen for the check ride.

Thanks also to Ernie and Joe who have installed the motor on our industial-strength lathe. As soon as we get the proper chuck it'll be ready to go.

George Stephenson was not at the meeting, however he was in a January issue of the Suburban Journals. The article detailed the eagle census process, particularly the flights up and down the river. A copy of this issue is in the ARC. (I happened upon the second page of this at home and was not sure that the George was our George Stephenson until I read a quote: "I'd rather fly than eat!" Who else could it be?)

Treasurer Gary handed out copies of the quarterly financial report. We discussed, at length, our 501C3 issues with the IRS. Several things contributed this, not the least of which is new legislation that increases scrutiny on non-profit organizations. Gale is working to reduce or eliminate the amount the government says that we owe. In the spirit of "an ounce of prevention" we are soliciting suggestions for an accountant that we would pay to take care of such paperwork.

As of the meeting we had a $3,200 bid for the Mustang II project. Ron suggested posting an ad in Barnstormers in hopes of getting closer to our original asking price of $4,500. Gale then reported that has was contacted by a firm in Canada. They were in contact with a fellow who has built the wings of his Mustang II and was interested in matching these up with our fuselage. The motion was made to wait until our Canadian friend has had a look, and if he's not interested then post the project in Barnstormers for 30 days. If it does not sell after that we'd sell to the buyer from Chicago.

Bob Dooley addressed the group with a proposition regarding an advertisement in the latest issue of Sport Pilot for a set of "Add A Rating" DVD's. He's looking for a group of interested members to divide the cost and purchase these.

Bill Jagust and John Teipen updated us with the latest news from Oshkosh regarding KidVenture and Young Eagles Flight Education. The EAA Museum is building a set of educational exhibits that will travel across the U.S. to such spots as the St. Louis Science Center. We'll be looking for volunteers in the coming months to start putting together some educational modules of our own with the hopes of having something ready for the Washington event in the spring. Sounds like this initiative is gaining momentum, with the FAA committed to an online youth program and NAFI donating to such courses.

Ron Wright reports that the Luscombe suffered a ground loop. Some research revealed that, in its sixty year history, this is the third time. The right gear took the brunt, and the plane is now in Nebraska for a refurb. Thanks to Ron for addressing the group on this and reminding us tail dragger lovers to be ever vigilant.

The St. Louis County Fair and Air Show has been discontinued, but there are plenty of other events coming up for EAA32. Washington, Missouri Young Eagles event will be in May, June 14 is International Young Eagles Day and Open House, and on June 29 there will be a reenactment
of a WWII parachute drop with 150 participants. We're looking for volunteers to help host this. 2008 is going to be fun.

- Dave Deweese

November 25, 2007 Meeting Minutes

Karsten opened with the pledge.

Some new hardware is in the ARC, including parts for the new heating system and Bud Cole's lathe. Karsten has been cleaning this up. It is an impressive piece of machinery dating from the 1940's and lacks some of the guards and safety features we're used to in newer gadgets. It will be available for chapter members' use, though some training in proper use will be a prerequisite. On a related note we are on the lookout for a 3 jaw chuck.

Gary reports that Shop & Save and Dierberg's coupons are still available. Let him know if you are interested, they can be mailed or picked up at the party on the 8th. On that note, tickets for the party are $15 apiece. Please RSVP to Gary Kasten or Karsten Kessler by the 6th so we'll know how much food we'll need. The menu this year will include turkey, pork, and beef roast with peach or blueberry cobbler for dessert. Our speaker will be Bill Guenon, lead pilot of the POW rescue mission on Son Tay. Also, please bring a gift for the exchange.

We voted for chapter officers, the lineup is as follows:

Karsten Kessler, president
Steve Morse, vice president
Gary Kasten, treasurer
Dave Deweese, secretary

We also agreed on Dave McGougan as the recipient of this year's Bent Prop award.

Leo spoke about drinking water for the ARC. Bob Holmes as vouched to Tracy that running a line for Kilroy's is OK. Leo's alternative plan may prove easier and less expensive. For $1200 to $1300 we can have a water softener and an ultraviolet treatment system to kill bacteria. For disposal purposes this water is of a higher quality than gray water and can be safely drained on the ground. Leo has also gone to the trouble of replacing the labels on the kitchen cabinets. We still do not know who removed the last batch, but if you're caught removing the new ones be forewarned: Leo will find you.

A note on Missouri sales tax exemption certificates: Exemptions are intended for expenses related to charitable functions. Young Eagles expenses, as well as supplies for and repairs to the ARC are allowable. Tools are not. If you are purchasing supplies for EAA32 Gary can supply a certificate.

Briefly discussed was collecting of tax records for 501c3 status. We are also considering broadening our advertisement of the Mustang II project.

The meeting adjourned and the floor was turned over to Bill Jagust for a weight and balance demonstration involving the VP-II and our new scales. Before the demonstration he explained his involvement in EAA's expansion of the Young Eagles program. Part of the "First Logbook Entry" initiative will be an 8-station educational program covering such topics as weather, navigation, and human factors. Mr. Bill is working to document each topic so anyone could present these at a Young Eagles event. Work is proceeding on 4' x 8' posters to accompany the presentations. These will be stored at our own ARC, which may also become a staging point for simulators that will be part of the program. Looks like EAA32 may be getting a bit more attention in 2008.

Special thanks to Karsten for providing lunch at Kilroy's.

- Dave Deweese

October 28, 2007

Karsten opened the meeting with the Pledge. Corporate flight training schools had evidently declared a holiday is Jim Hann and Mr. Bill were both in attendance.

Leo started off business discussions with a status report on the water situation. We have two options, the first being a $3,100 purification system. He has confirmed that we may drain gray water onto the ground. The second option is to tap into the airport's existing ater supply (run a line to the ARC). We'd need to confirm that there's enough excess capacity to support us and Kilroy's, plus we'll need an official OK from Tracy.

Tracy would like us to move the container to a spot behind the ARC. We need to remove any items that are currently on or around same. Moving the container will be an issue: last time we used a large tractor to drag it, this time our existing sidewalk is in the way. A forklift may be the solution. Once moved we could paint it the same color as the ARC. We may move our kiosk from
the hangar to the spot the container currently sits, once removed from the trailer.

Bud Cole has generously donated a MIG welder to the chapter. It's evidently about ten years old but only has about ten hours of use: Bud's doctor feels that the device may interfere with a pacemaker. The welder comes to us after a mysterious journey. It had disappeared from Bud's tool shed but was returned by a neighbor who tracked it to a party who had "borrowed it without permission". Bob Dooley has since cleaned it up and it is available for loan, provided you let the chapter know its whereabouts.

Bud also has a 12" Atlas lathe, late 1940's vintage, mounted on a sturdy welded table, currently located in Mexico, Missouri. Moving this is a job for a number of strong people and a truck.

Gary addressed some financial issues. We will need to file some papers with the IRS, and Dave McGougan made a motion that we identify a CPA to write this up. We have at least one CPA in the chapter, but he has not returned Karsten's calls so a backup plan is in order. Gary also has extra Shop & Save and Dierberg's coupons.

Doug Killibrew reports that our heating system is coming down to the final issues. Some work will have to be done to ensure that radiant heat works correctly with our existing fans. Watch the website for times: volunteers will be needed to help with the actual installation.

Ron Wright has been doing some research for us on a popcorn machine. He is going to identify a few in the $600 to $1,000 range that we can evaluate and vote on in the November meeting.

Ron also brought in some Jerry Geiger memorabilia. There were several plaques and some photographs, we'll be identifying an area in the ARC to display this so that Jerry may join Bill Blake in our EAA32 Hall of Fame.

The Christmas Party, Saturday December 8, is approaching. I have contacted several individuals from a new EAA resource, the "Speakers Bureau", to check availability. Once again Kilroy's will handle the catering, and we'll need a crew for decorating the ARC.

Following the meeting we enjoyed a presentation by Jim Cunningham who has written a book on John Monnett, designer of the Moni motorglider and the Sonex. Jim concentrated on the Monex Racer and shared some anecdotes as well as a number of interesting photographs. Thanks to Greg Issitt for bringing in the laptop projector, and thanks to Ernie for explaining how to lower the screen. Several of us climbed ladders and failed to move the device until Professor Buzard
suggested hooking two wires from the motor into an extension cord. Of course it lowered obediently. Jim, who hails from Normal, IL, said he was glad to see that all EAA chapters work pretty much the same.

September 23, 2007

The meeting begain on time at 2:00 with the Pledge of Allegiance. Before the meeting, we were treated to a fine bbq featuring Doug Killebrew's smoked brisket.

It was reported the chapter made about $1,200.00 from the sale of soda at the County Fair and Airshow. Due to the overall success of the event, news of its demise was premature, and there will probably be another one next year. (could it be the presence of the Blue Angels and the cooler weather were helpful?)

This year we will be electing new officers. As of this meeting, Karsten will re-run for president, Steve Morse will run for Vice President, Dave Deweese will run for Secretary, and Gary Kasten will re-run for Treasurer. More nominations will be taken at the October meeting, with voting in November. If you want to run for a chapter office, please don't hesitate to nominate yourself.

We had several guests and new members. They were recognized.

Ron Burnett announced that he and his son bought a 1946 Luscombe. He proudly showed the picture of the shiny bird. Now all he needs to do is learn to fly it! Ron also talked about food coupons. The people with whom he deals messed up the order, and he was short on the Shop 'n Save coupons. Those folks will be mailed their coupons as soon as possible.

The location of the new scales were pointed out, and some people attested as to their accuracy.

A motion was made, seconded, and passed to fund a memorial plaque in Oshkosh for Gerry Geiger. Gale will take care of the paperwork.

The Silver Swallows sent us a check for $200.00 for our participation in their rally a few weeks ago.

There was some discussion (as a follow-on to the online debate) regarding the time and nature of the Christmas party. For this year at least, we will have our party on Saturday, December 8. If we conduct it as per other years, we will have a social hour between 6 and 7, catered dinner by Laurie at 7, followed by a speaker. No speaker was proposed at the meeting.

Ron Burnett brought up the fact that he is technologically challenged with respect to aircraft electronics and electricity. He was wondering if we could conduct some seminars on that subject for the edification of all interested parties. It is true that we haven't been holding many seminars or demos lately, and should be doing so. Jim Bower will contact a few chapter members known to be cognizant of matters electrical and ask them if they would be willing to do a demo or hold a seminar.

As hot as it's been in the past few months, it is not too early to think about how doggone cold it was in the ARC this past winter. To that end, Doug Killebrew has been pursuing a solution to the heating problem. We all voted to fund a heating system (probably radiant infrared heat) to a maximum of $4,000.00. Everybody is looking forward to being toasty warm this winter, even as they sweated in the 90-degree heat of September!

The meeting was adjourned at about 2:50.