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.