August 2009 Meeting Minutes

August Meeting Minutes
by Dave Deweese, Chapter Secretary

August's meeting of Chapter 32 began with the pledge, Karsten Kessler presiding.

We recognized new members and visitors. Jim Norris introduced himself; he's interested in ultralights. Gary Anderson has just purchased a Lancair 360 kit. He flew to the meeting in a four place Diamond Star. Art Zemon, new member and Young Eagles pilot, was also in attendance.

Dave McGougan and Gale Derosier reported progress on the Ford Trimotor. Dave was looking for a few more people, Saturday and Sunday in particular. Note that Saturday (Sept. 12) is also a Young Eagles event at KSET. The Trimotor will arrive Thursday and sleep for free in the Busch hangar for six nights, thank to the Busch clan for their hospitality. Thursday will be a press flight, Fred has arranged for a Model T and several Model As from the Model A club to be present. He's also arranging a somewhat more modern rental vehicle for transportaion. Robin, who arranged a hotel room discount for the flight crew, is also a professional photographer and will take pictures on Thursday. Steve reminded us that we have a chapter camcorder if anyone wants to use that to record parts of the proceedings. If you're volunteering please be sure to wear your chapter t-shirt for extra publicity.

Chapter 32's profit from this event kicks in after we've passed a $3,000 limit. Expenses, such as the hotel rooms, apply towards this amount. Member Bob Kraemer made a very sizeable donation toward this milestone. Thanks, Bob! Rides cost $50 for EAA members, $60 for non-members, and for $100 you can ride in the right seat. We will receive $5 per ride. In addition we'll be selling food at the event: hot dogs, a drink, and chips, as a $3 package.

Incidentally, the Trimotor is the plane used in the Johnny Depp movie, Public Enemy. We may also have some static airplane displays. Note that the airport manager will provide a dumpster and port-a-potties.

We are preparing for the election of next year's chapter officers. If you are interested in an office, or serving on the nomination committee, drop a line on the Yahoo board.

The 29th and 30th is the KSET Open House, as last year there will be booths and vendors. We'll fly YE both days, pilots and crew are needed as always. Rick May is still putting together Meet Your Pilot sheets and says that the entire process can be taken care of by email.

Motion was made and seconded to close the meeting.

July 18th, 2009 Meeting Minutes

The meeting commenced at 10:00 am on July 18, 2009. We met at the Fly Girls Diner (formerly Kilroy's) due to a problem with the ARC's septic tank

On the subject of the full septic tank, we decided to inform the membership that when the "full" alarm goes off, CALL THE FREAKIN' GUY TO GET IT PUMPED OUT. Continuing to use the facilities with a full tank will have the expected effect, and won't be pretty. Fortunately, this didn't happen just prior to a major event. Karsten will contact the correct individual, and post the contact number so that anybody can call for this service.

As previously announced, the major topic was the arrival of EAA's Ford Trimotor in September. Dave McGougan stepped up to the plate and took on the job as tour stop chairman. Gale Derosier will assist him, as well as being the public relations liaison with Oshkosh. Numerous members volunteered to staff the tour stop during the Trimotor's four days (September 10, 11, 12, and 13). More volunteers may be sought at the August meeting.

Chris Seto announced that he has set up a Facebook page for Chapter 32.

Ron Burnett distributed the grocery store cards.

Rick May reminded everyone about the upcoming Young Eagles rallies on August 29 and 30 (Smartt Field open house), and September 12 (Silver Swallows). Despite its being on the same day as the Trimotor, we anticipate little problems with securing ground crew and pilot help.

Bud Cole offered some advice with reference to the recent fatal airplane crash in Arkansas. This accident occurred due to a combination of high density altitude, a grass runway, and an aircraft that was loaded over gross. Bud said his instructor impressed upon him that before applying takeoff power, he should pick a spot halfway down the runway. This spot can be any object, or an imaginary point in space, just so that it's approximately midfield. If your airplane has not become airborne by the time you reach that spot, chop the power and apply the brakes. Period. This allows you plenty of time to get stopped and turned around. You can do this repeatedly (presumably you will have burned off enough fuel to take off at some point during these attempts). Doing this will ensure you live to fly another day, rather than become a smoking hole in the ground at the end of the runway.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:45 am.

June 20th, 2009 Meeting Minutes

June Meeting Minutes
by Dave Deweese, Chapter Secretary

The June meeting began with the Pledge, Steve Morse presiding in Karsten's absence.

We recognized visitors, including Bob, an EAA member on the national level, and a Wings of Hope participant. Al, who came last week to our Young Eagles event, returned this week with his membership application.

Our YE Event with the Navy Sea Cadets went well and included plenty of pilots, though there was a rather low turnout of passengers at about 37. Gary reports a donation of $150. Mr. Bill did his regular ground school instruction, and the plastic model builder club came out as well. We discussed difficulties with the Boy Scouts at out prior event, and noted no such problems with
our Sea Cadets. (Editor's note: the difficulties were with the Boy Scout leaders, NOT the boys.)

Ron spoke regarding the ramp. The contractor has Karsten's email address but he has not heard from them. We don't expect this anytime soon as there is lots more work to do outside the airport hangars. Ron suggests pouring and compacting gravel.

Thanks to Bill Jagust for getting our fire extinguishers up to date.

The Ford Trimotor is willing to come to Spirit; word is that Mr. Busch may be willing to donate hangar space. We'll need a 6-8 person crew from Thursday to Sunday, but the dates not are yet firm as of the meeting: September to October is the projected timeframe. Anyone who may be interested in helping please consider volunteering. Steve will post more details on the Yahoo group. Ron suggests that we find out what percentage of ticket sales, and if we need to do the publicity.

Since we've moved the meeting date, we could have a July meeting going forward, as it's now before Oshkosh. Richard Emery advises that people looking at the website might not be aware we're not around on this date. Gale moved and Gary seconded for a special July meeting, in light of a needed Trimotor discussion. We voted on a regular July meeting going forward.

Ron Burnett could not make it in, Richard Emery brought in coupons and Gary Kasten distributed. Gary also advises us that we need to think of more fund raising sources. Our biggest expense is filling the propane tank for the winter. Gale says the B-17 was a good revenue source in the past, the TriMotor may help out, so once again, please volunteer. We also need more participation with Dierberg's, Shop & Save, or Schnuck's cards.

We continued discussion on a ramp, an interim (less expensive) solution, could be simply using boards and ramps. Steve will talk with the contractor and get a price that we can vote on, to see if this is feasible. More information to follow in July. Dave Domeier suggested pricing on a small concrete lip, we could probably handle this within the chapter.

Waco fly-in is this weekend at Creve Coeur.

The meeting closed, followed by a presentation by Steve Morse regarding welding. This continued the session from May.

May 16th, 2009 Meeting Minutes

May 2009 Meeting Minutes
By Dave Deweese

Karsten began the meeting with the Pledge.

Gary Kasten is sick, Jim Bower and Steve Morseare out with family obligations.

Ron has Shop & Save and Dierberg's coupons.We need to buy more gas for the building,coupons fund this expense. Ron has spares youcan buy with cash versus ordering ahead.

Karsten relayed the Treasury report, reportingsavings and checking balances, then requested suggestions for fundraisers. The Ford TriMotorand B-17 were mentioned. The TriMotor needshangar space that we do not have at KSET,though a larger airport like Spirit might be able to donate this. It is currently too late to get the B-17 this year but next year this might be a possibility. Note that we'll have a new 'administration' next year that would need to pick this up.

We next recognized visitors. Gary Van Booven,friend of Dave McGougan's from work, attendedthe meeting. He's a specialty coating developerand trains people to apply these coatings, especially in the Army. Lucky Gary occasionally getsto take test flights in prototypes that use this system. He also has 1100 hours in the F-18 simulator at McDonnell-Douglas and has had the'honor' of being 'shot down' by some real lifefighter pilots.

Next we dealt with miscellaneous business

Ron Burnett announced Lon Lowe has a new price, $24,900, on the Culver Cadet. If you're interested now may be the time to jump. Our deal with the Lowe family regarding the tigwelder, voted upon last year, has been finalized and they have received a check.

Rick May announces a tough pilot situation for the Young Eagles program this year. He's trying to get hold of George and Leo's partner in the Cessna to see if he'd be interested in participating. Currently we've got Joe Sargent and Chris Nesin flying for us, Fred's going to start soon. Anyone who hasn't flown Young Eagles in the past please consider flying this year. Remember to contact Rick so he can get you one of the new "KnowYour Pilot" forms.

We discussed ramp gravel from the ARC. Karsten made a drawing to present to the company working near the hangars, Ron spoke to them but has yet to hear back. Noted thatEAA32 is a 501C3, so if anything is donated the donor can write this off.

Regarding the Kentucky chapter interested in a Soda machine, they're going to look first in the local area.

We also talked about TFR's. Several people noted that, during the last presidential visit, the radius has increased from 30 to 35 miles as. R/C and model rocket enthusiasts are now included and should not fly anything within the set radius on designated dates.

Karsten reminded us that this is the last weekend for Lori and Kilroy's. A new business will take over the space in the near future.

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn.

Steve's scheduled presentation will take placelater in the year.

April 18th, 2009 Meeting Minutes

April 2009 Meeting Minutes
By Dave Deweese

Our meeting began with the Pledge, Karsten Kessler presiding.

We recognized visitors, many of whom were members of Chapter 64 in Belleville. We also had some new members. Al Rivera is a long time EAA member, about thirty years, and also flies R/C planes. He works for Flight Safety International and is interested in the Sonex.

Steve (sorry I didn't get your last name,) came here from Texas and sold his RV-6 when he moved. He's now thinking about an RV-12.

Dave McGougan relayed some news from Mike Ziegler, who says our badge making equipment is shot. We'll find a new supplier.

Rick May spoke regarding our next YE event, and was unsure at meeting time of how many pilots we'd have.

We now have water coolers in ARC and Office Area, hopefully our guests will make good use of these.

There's some new information on reimbursing pilots, details will follow as we learn them. Steve Morse also suggests pushing, at National level, covering pilot insurance. This would also help encourage pilot participation.

Karsten announced that the sandblasting cabinet is operational, we will need to hook a vacuum cleaner up to side to use.

New 2009 rosters are available.

Bud loaned us a band saw, all it needs is a blade, and will be better than our existing rig for cutting tubing.

Steve Morse mentioned Bob Jude's passing. One of our first regular YE pilots, Bob also deserves credit for building our radio. Steve and several other members attended the funeral, that included full military honors.

Kilroy's is closing end of May. This rental property came up for bid, and reportedly a catering firm made a bet-ter bid.

In the next couple of weeks the Doherty's frame will be back in the ARC to begin the rebuilding process.

We discussed getting rid of soda machine. A chapter in Kentucky is looking for one. They are located, incidentally, at Lee Bottom field, home to lots of antique planes and a fly-in.

Karsten reports that the ramp is looking nice in front of the hangars (outside of a stray saw cut). We discussed the area outside the main entry to the ARC, which at least needs to be regraveled. Steve Morse, Dave McGougan, and Gary Johnson all commented on difficultied they have had moving aircraft in and out of the building. Roger Mann notes that, because the need is occasional, new gravel might be the most economical option. Since the contractors are here, working around the hangars, motion was made to look into a ramp, expenses not to exceed $5,000.

With no further business motion was made, and seconded, to close the meeting.

Steve Morse then gave a presentation on working with metal, including cutting, forming, and welding.

March 18th, 2009 Meeting Minutes

The meeting began with the Pledge. Karsten presided,in addition to myself officers Steve Morse and GaryKasten were also in attendance. Due to tarmac work aSonex, Ridge Runner, two powered parachutes, plus apedal-powered Gee Bee were also in the ARC.

Regarding food for the new meeting time we’ve reacheda consensus on breakfast at Kilroy’s. We’ll brew coffeein the ARC for a suggested 25 cents per cup donation.

Karsten is anticipating work on the SkyCoupe, startingwith sandblasting. He requested $220 for sandblastingcabinet, we voted and approved the expenditure. Later we’ll be doing a 4130 workshop which will prepare us to address repairs if necessary. Further down the line our friend from DuPont will help us with painting.

Gary gave the Treasurer’sreport. He is planning to deposit dues checks on Monday following the meeting. Steve asked if we’re through with past payments and penalties. Gary, Jim, nor Gale have received further correspondence on this matter, though Gale has backup paperwork for Accountant, address,money order, etc. Note that Gary will be stepping down as Treasurer at the end of his current term (ending 12/2009.) Keep this in mind if you're interested in serving as a chapter officer.

Looking ahead to Young Eagles season Rick asked about our PA system. The existing system works, so we discussed mounting some weatherproof speakers on the ARC for YE events. A bullhorn is another low cost possibility. Steve will investigate cost of outdoor speakers, not to exceed $150/speaker.

Steve Morse spoke regarding upcoming workshops. The first one in April will cover fabricating 4130 parts ina garage with a minimum of tools, including some gas welding. Steve’s looking for folks with experience in bending, drilling, and welding to come and share knowledge. This workshop will take place after the April 18 meeting. Steve is familiar with metal work from his years at Mac working on the F-15, and can address such topics as sheet metal forming, flat patterns, finishing, edge distance between fasteners, minimumbend radius, and blueprint reading. Please feel free to invite non-32members you may know who have an interest in this.

Ron Burnett has Dierbergs and Shop and Save coupons. We briefly discussed the stand the IRS takes on food coupons. For one thing, foodc oupons are not aviation related. Further, our gross revenue from this source (much higher than the netprofit,) is high enough to be visible on the goverment’s radar. This is why we file a form, which comes with a fee of approximately $79. Food Coupons are the most efficient way of making money for the chapter, far outweighing this minor chore.

Meeting adjourned, followed by speaker Greg Smith. Greg addressed us back in 2007 regarding his new design and retirement project, an evolution of the Pulsar. George asks if building airplanes is better that working for a living. “Yes, but it doesn’t pay any better.”

February 21st, 2009 Meeting Minutes

The meeting began with the Pledge.

Karsten asked for visitors and new members to introduce themselves.

Steve Ellert (forgive me if the spelling is incorrect,) was visiting the ARC. Rented an Archer at KSET while in college, and now is trying to get involved in small planes again. He flies 757s and 767s for a living, so his definition of “small” may be fairly liberal. Bob Kramer, a brand-new member, joined the chapter at this meeting.

We discussed shelving, hopefully freeing up some workspace by upgrading to more modern shelving. We will keep an eye out, and accept suggestions, for sources of industrial shelving. Gale Derosier suggested Circuit City. Warehouse of Fixtures in St. Louis may also sell used shelving.

With Ernie’s estate in mind Bob Dooley brought in a ‘do-it-yourself’ NOLO living trust book. He offered to lend this to anyone who might be interested. Several members offered warnings about keeping your estate out of probate. Roger Mann also noted that wills need to be rewritten after divorce. The ultimate fate of Ernie’s property, Karsten says, will take at least half a year to
decide.

Rick May, heading up YE ground crew this year, is putting together informational flyers about our pilots to give to passengers. Each document will have a picture of the pilot, his plane, and a short story. Rick is designing a form for pilots to fill out; please contact him and he’ll email you a form.

Doug Killebrew brought up an issue related to our new meeting time, namely food. We are now in breakfast territory, and although some chapters do pancake breakfasts this requires organization. Doug proposes that we meet at Kilroy’s if here early and support our neighbor. We still may barbecue in warm weather, though it might make sense to do this after the meeting,
closer to lunch time. Doug’s willing to cook if someone’s willing to help out.

George brought up the status of the water supply. Gale is looking for better proposals than the 7K and 8K that he’s so far received to tap into the airport water supply by a certified plumber. We have two filters that can be integrated into our current system. These filters will not provide drinkable water but will improve quality, meaning no more stains in the toilets for starters. A
light after the filter needed would kill E Coli.

A motion was made and seconded to close the meeting.

Afterwards Jeff Edwards gave a presentation: “Avoiding the Storm: Flying With Datalink Weather”. Jeff is a former member who dropped out when he got busy with a building project. These days he is president of a Lancair builders organization.

by Dave Deweese, Chapter Secretary