April Meeting Minutes

The regular meeting of EAA Chapter 704 was held at 7:00 pm on Monday April 11, 2005 at the Sparta Paul C. Miller Airport.

The March minutes were read and approved. The treasurer reported $1697.57 in the check book with $50.00 cash on hand and $40.00 received in dues and calendar sales before the meeting was called to order.

President Fritz brought several items to the floor for discussion. He commented on the work week-end projects held at Oshkosh. Those interested could fill out applications with several week-ends to choose from.

President Fritz also commented on the Pancake Breakfast held at the airport in conjunction with Sparta Community Days. We work along side the Sparta Lions Club and share the profits.

The subject of the Sparta Pilot’s Association also came up for comment. President Fritz noted that the EAA Chapter 704, as an organization, would not be associated with the SPA but individual members of the chapter are free to join and show support for the concerns brought forth by the SPA.

Paul Kovalak, newly elected president of the Sparta Pilot’s Association (SPA) said there had been two meetings so far with about 50 pilots showing interest. The SPA has established a mission statement and a plan of action. He pointed out that there are several airport rules changes being suggested by certain parties that the SPA will oppose inasmuch as they appear detrimental to general aviation as practiced at Sparta Miller Airport. One of the major issues is the freedom of the pilots to perform FAA approved maintenance on their own aircraft on the field. There were other issues as well. The SPA is in the process of polling surrounding airports to establish ways of comparing Sparta with other airports. Some group discussion ensued.

Jim Reeds discussed his Zenith project and showed one of the construction manuals. Several others described their projects.

Dar Nederveld gave a humorous account of his experience of getting his airplane painted by a fellow in Arkansas. The whole episode, from initial contact through the trip down and back, made for quite a story.

P.J. Bevelacqua held a 50/50 raffle which was won by Dar Nederveld -perhaps rightly so in recompense for his delightful Arkansas adventure story.

Ron Fritz showed a number of slides following the history of civil and military aviation from its infancy through more modem times. As usual, Ron puts on a very good show with excellent slides and informative as well as very interesting commentary.

Meeting adjourned: Jay Dean, Sec/Treas EAA 704