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