October 2009 Meeting Minutes

by Dave Deweese, Chapter Secretary

The October meeting began with the pledge, Karsten Kessler presiding.

We started off with votes for chapter officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Dave Doherty, Bill Doherty, Don Doherty, and Dave Deweese respectively. As these are the only candidates, Karsten asked the membership to approve the entire slate. We voted unanimously to approve.

Our Christmas party will take place December fifth at six p.m. It will be catered by the new restaurant, “The Fly Girls Diner”. Menu will include roast beef and chickenwith sides and dessert. Drinks will be ‘BYOB,’ as in the past. We don’t yet have a price, but we’ll know ticket prices by newsletter time. (SEE THE NOTICE ELSEWHERE IN THE NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER ISSUE - ED.)

Gale has linedup Bob Cramer’s friend Libby, president of the 99’s who can speak to us on women in aviation. We’re looking for volunteers to decorate on the morning of the fifth. We will also do door prizes as in prior years.

Food Coupons: Ron has Dierbergs and Shop n Save available.

We recognized visitors. These included Jim Bower’s dad, wife, and dog. Jerry and Darlene from Rick May’s church, who made it to Oshkosh this year, also attended the meeting.

Dave McGougan announced Steve Mott that is helping with membership. Steve has found a woman who can make membership badges at $5 apiece. New badges are black on white. We considered a few questions. Should we tack this onto the membership fee or take out of funds? We also considered retrofitting existing members. We voted to make the expense part of membership expense. We can also discuss updating existing badges.

Dave Domeier is out this month but will go over treasurer information in November, particularly the audit. Gale mentioned that Dave’s waiting to do the audit as close as possible to turnover time.

Ron Burnett spoke about his project. He joined about ten years ago in hopes of building a plane and decided upon a Van’s design, the RV-6A, quick-build. He notes that chapter members have provided much help and education, including classes on fiberglass and electrics. Bob Nuckles’ electrical classes have also been helpful in wiring the project. He started with Control Vision’s X-bus originally, but ultimately decided upon a new system for the converted Subaru. Ron described designing the panel with a planner program but doesn ot recommend it, he ended up building a mock-up. His airline mentality suggested putting the radio stack in the center but he’s discovered that setting it off to the side several inches gives more space for the EFIS. Ron found that it can be hard to tell at the beginning how all the instruments will lay out. Most are working now and he’s turned his attention to the autopilot. He hopes to taxi by the end of the year.

Dave McGougan moved, Jim Hann seconded, to close the meeting.

Following the meeting Karsten gave a demonstration of the english wheel.

September 2009 Meeting Minutes

September Meeting Minutes

by Dave Deweese, Chapter Secretary

September’s meeting began with the Pledge, KarstenKessler presiding.

Mr. Bill has finished painting the flying surfaces of hisVPII and moved the last few pieces to the hangar. Hehas used the process as a teaching example during thelast few YE events. Thanks to all for use of the ARC.

Dave McGougan debriefed us on the Trimotor event. It was very successful, with lots of volunteers from the chapter. Volunteers got rides if a seat was empty of paying passengers (some got several). There were 27 flights total, national EAA was happy with the number on Thursday and Friday, though we had a little less than expected on Saturday and Sunday. The Press Division of National sent information to local media outlets, and Bill Dohery gave an interview on channel 5. A newspaper from Centralia ran an article, netting us some riders from that direction. Tuesday’s Post had a quarter page ad. In hindsight it was noted that the best press may be an overflight of populated areas. Many flights, however, were over wooded areas and the river.

Food sales are estimated at $110 plus extra food leftover. Dan Frishman, a volunteer all the way from Washington, went to fetch hamburgers and buns, Doug Killibrew was the chief cook.

Robin did a fantastic job with the motel. Fred donated his car, therefore the chapter incurred no expense for that. Bob Dooley and Rich Emery did cargo transportduty, Don Doherty helped move signs several times.Dave also mentioned Gale as especially busy during theevent. Bill Doherty reported that one passenger, aparapalegic, arrived on a motorized scooter. With pilotSam Bass’s OK, Dave and Bill carried him onto the plane.

Dave next recognized new members and visitors. Jim Norris is a new member, he just came back from Michigan with a partially finished ultralight FBI SportLite 103. It needs engine, prop, etc. Todd (sorry for thelack of last name) visited the meeting. He is getting back into aviation, and is already an A & P. He’s worked on race cars for years.

It’s time again for a change of guard, the nominationsare as follows:
President - Dave Doherty,
VP - Bill Doherty,
Treasurer - Don Dohery,
Secretary - Dave Deweese,
Membership Chair - Dave McGougan.
The election will be held next meeting, a ballot will appear in the newsletter.

The newest generation of the Doherty dynasty introduced themselves, and have been kicking around some ideas. They’d like to see weekly, versus monthly chapter activities with more family involvement. This could include some non-aviation activities as well. Don reviewed some family history, having been around the chapter since the age of 6, watching his dad work on the SkyCoupe. He was even allowed to build some parts, though these were typically reworked soon after. He left, then came back to the chapter after school,l earning flying from Hal Christianson. He’s been involved in a subdivision association and helped deal with a former treasurer who helped herself to the funds,and will keep a careful eye on our finances. There’s lots of stuff going on with GA that need our voices heard. The Dohertys plan to work with other organizations such as CAF.

Gale mentioned that whenever a treasurer changes, a very basic, general audit is to be done by another member of the chapter.

Rick May covered YE business. We had to cancel Washington, moving the event to 11/7, this is a Boy Scout badge event as well. Turnout was small for the Silver Swallows event. We’re winding down for the year, having flown about 250 kids, down from last year. On a positive note, lots of new pilots have come on board as the year progressed. Rick would like to have an ‘Old Buzzard’ event next meeting, weather allowing.

Miscellaneous business included a warning. A witness reports seeing the CAF defuel the B-25 into the tanks down by their hangar, so be careful of buying fuel from there: it may be ‘used.’

Rob Burnett has Dierbergs and Shop/Save cards available.
Gale announced his new project, a Rans 6S with Rotax912 power.

Finally, we have some tables out and don’t know where they are. If you have borrowed any please remember to note this on the sign out sheet near the door.

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.