Thursday, December 07, 2006

Saturday December 9th, 2006 - Chapter 211/704 Christmas Party

Saturday December 9th, 2006 Chapter 211/704 Christmas Party

Chapter 704 will be joining Chapter 211 of Grand Haven for a Christmas party to be held in John Gill's hangar at the Sparta Airport.

  • The Christmas party will be a potluck with everyone attending being asked to bring a dish to pass.
  • Bring a $5.00 Gift to exchange
  • Coffee and beverages will be provided.
  • The party will start around 6:00 pm and dinner starts at 6:30 pm
  • Dress is strickly casual and we hope to have a snow free area next to John's hangar to park in.

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (December '06)

Hello members, spouses and friends,

It's party time again, and we will be celebrating Christmas with 211 in my hanger on Saturday, December 9 at 6:pm.

Please bring a dish to pass and a $5.00 wrapped gift to exchange.

The runway is now open so let's enjoy our winter flying. Winter flying can be safe as well as challenging and fun.

The 2006 officers have enjoyed serving you and are looking forward to next year and new leadership. We can make the chapter more successful by supporting them with ideas and help at meetings and events.

Our next meeting will be Monday, December 11 at 7:pm. Larry Bower will be showing and explaining his Innovative products and ideas for manufacturing better airplane parts.

Please plan on attending this educational and informative meeting.

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year.

Your Pres.
John Gill

November (2006) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2006

President Gill called the meeting to order at 7pm and asked the new Airport Manager, Dick Roberts to speak to the group.

Dick started by letting us know that his position is that of a business manager, and that he would be working at the airport 30 hours per week. He is counting on a lot of the daily business at the airport to be “self serve” due to the time constraints of the hours he’ll be working. Dick stated that he is currently a Sergeant for the Kentwood Police Department and that his hours at the airport would vary depending on his schedule. But that he would post his schedule for the pilots, along with a phone number to contact him for emergencies.

Dick’s background is that he has been a pilot for about 6 years and he enjoys family and flying a lot. Also, he trained to be a pilot at Riverview airport and flies/rents a C172. He stated that he does not foresee any big changes to the way things operate at the airport, with the exception that the billing will be “electronic”. He has “contact information” forms available for pilots to fill out to be used in case of an emergency.

He stated that long range plans include possibly removing some trees to the south and looking into what may be needed for snow removal/equipment with new runway. Also, possibly adding some fencing for security to reduce “turfing”, and that we’re looking for more growth by way of more pilots/hangars.

President Gill asked Dick to join the EAA chapter, as former Manger Vic Johnston mentioned that the EAA Chapter has been the greatest support to the airport over the years.
President Gill noted that we had visitor Jeff Kalis joining us.

The minutes from the previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter. The Treasurer’s report was unavailable.

President Gill suggested that we donate to the boy scouts, matching the Lions Club donation.
John asked Vic about the runway, and it was noted that there were still a few factors keeping the runway from being opened. Some obstructions still needed to be removed and that the lighting hadn’t been installed.

New business included the need for new officers for 2007. Vic Johnston was elected president, while Paul Spetoskey remained vice president. The secretary/treasurer position was set aside for Jay Dean pending his approval (as he was absent). The duties of newsletter/website will be once again held by P.J. Bevelacqua and Dan Bauman will continue as the tech counselor. Kathy Hakeem was absent but it was assumed that she would continue as the young eagles coordinator.

John Gill noted that the EAA Chapter 211 would be having a Christmas party in Johns hanger and wanted to also include our chapter as well. The party will be held on Saturday December 9th at 6pm (same as last year).

Dan Bauman stated that his project was complete, but he was still waiting on the paperwork from the FAA to make it “airworthy”.

Paul Kovalak spoke of his intent to build a RV-7 project, along with a friend who would be building one at the same time.

The meeting was adjourned and the members watched an Aircraft Spruce DVD that President Gill brought.

Respectfully Submitted,

P.J. Bevelacqua, Newsletter & Website
(Substitute Secretary)

Pics of Vic's Retirement Party



A Letter From Vic Johnston

Dear members of the EAA and SPA, and other friends,

I have delayed in writing this message because I simply don't know where to begin to thank all of you for your touching send off with all the kind words that were said. I know it took lot of people a lot of effort to produce such method to "celebrate my leaving"..., as Kathy would say. I am rich with all the good friends I have gotten to know over the past twelve years, and I sincerely hope we can all stay in contact often enough to maintain the bonds I feel toward you all.

Thinking back to the early first five or six years I recall all of you "ole timers" who remember what the airport was back then, and the rallying support you tendered to help bring it up to the standard it now displays. How can one mention "ole timer" without a vision of faces such as Doc Dean, Wendell Beuschel, John Spangenberg, Wayne Fredline, and of course, Ron....what's his name...you know, the guy with Lou Gerhing's disease...? Many of you have pitched in since then, in an abundance of ways, from patching up hangars, to donating money or furniture/appliances to promote the airport. In essence, you really made me look good!

If I went on and on to mention all the blessings and deeds for which I am grateful, I am sure it would end up taxing our treasury in postage. However, I can most certainly say that the memory of those faces, deeds, kind words, and wonderful video will not fade.


Googles of Thanx,

Vic

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Surprise Retirement Party for Vic Johnston


•At 2:00pm on Sunday November 5, 2006

•There will be a surprise party for Vic Johnston in John Gill’s hanger.

•It will be a potluck so please bring a dish to pass.

•You will need to bring your own service (plates etc.)

•Drinks will be provided.

•Please invite those you think may want to come celebrate with us.

•Remember, it is a surprise so don't say anything to Vic if you see him

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (November '06)

Attention all chapter members:

There is a pot luck gathering scheduled for Sunday Nov. 5th at 2:00pm in the Gill Aviation hanger.
It will be a great time and we are hoping for a large turn out.

Our next meeting is at 7 PM on Monday the 13th of November. It's election time!!!!

Our chapter is growing and we look forward to another fun and informative year with a group of new officers.

If you have people you would like to nominate, please encourage them to accept a nomination.

Your Pres.
John Gill

Friday, November 03, 2006

8D4 Runway Pics

October (2006) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes October 9, 2006

The meeting was called to order by President Gill. Visitors were David Gibson and Rob Quick. Mr. Quick of Greenville stated that he was building a GN1 and that he had brought part of his wing rib to show.

There were no minutes to approve due to the lack of an actual meeting when we met last month (a picnic was organized instead of the meeting). The Treasury report was unavailable.

New business included a thanks to Dan Bauman for his demonstration of kneeling, as one of our members had used the technique that Dan had shown the group in a previous meeting.

Bill stated that he was working on his M4-Maul which is getting closer to being completed.

It was asked that if any members would like to be an officer in 2007, to mention it to President Gill by next month.

The Sparta Area Pilot's Association (SAPA) President, Paul Kovalak, suggested that the SAPA and EAA704 join together to arrange a Potluck Dinner for November.

It was noted that the runway project was closer to completion and that it was possible that it may be available for daytime usage near the end of October (but not confirmed).

Rob Quick talked about the wing rib that he brought from his GN-1. He spoke of how he had the main ribs completed and was starting on the ribs near the ailerons.

The meeting was adjourned and the members had a coffee break.

After the break, Dan Bauman presented a slide show and gave commentary about the PA-12 that he had been restoring.

Respectfully Submitted,

P.J. Bevelacqua, Newsletter & Website
(Substitute Secretary)

Thursday, October 05, 2006

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (October '06)

Fellow Members,

As I write this note to you, the runway at Sparta is receiving the final coat of black top. We should be able to fly from this great airport shortly.

Thanks to everyone who made our end of summer picnic a wonderful success.

Our next meeting is Oct. 9th, so please plan on attending and bring any project pieces or important news to share with everyone.

Your president,

John Gill

Picnic Photos



Thursday, September 07, 2006

END OF SUMMER PICNIC - Sunday September 10th, 2006


END OF SUMMER
PICNIC

FOR EAA CHAPTER 704 MEMBERS AND FAMILY

Sunday September 10th, 2006
at 5:00 pm

Grilled Hamburgers and Brats provided by the Chapter

Please bring a dish to pass and your own beverages/table service

PLEASE NOTE THAT
THIS MEANS THAT THE NEXT MEETING TIME IS CHANGED!!
The picnic has been scheduled in place of our next meeting.

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (September '06)

Members & Significant others:

A picnic has been scheduled in place of our next meeting. It will be at the airport on Sunday the 10th at 5:00 PM.

The chapter will grill hamburgers and brats and members are asked to bring a dish to pass and your own beverages and table service.

We can view the progress being made on the new runway and make plans for some flying in the future.

No agenda, just a good time.

Please talk this up with other members. See you there.

Your president,

John Gill

“Step Up” and Become a EAA Chapter 704 Officer in 2007, by P.J.


The election for the 2007 officers is right around the corner. Are you interested in taking charge of one of these positions. All of the positions are available for nominations. If you are interested, please nominate yourself and take the opportunity to lead us in one of our many great roles. Most importantly the Chapter will need someone to take over the positions of Newsletter Editor and Website Adminstrator in 2007. After 3 years, I will be stepping down from these duties to make room for something fresh and new. So if any of the resposibilities of our Chapter sound good to you, now is the time to step up!

August (2006) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes August 14, 2006

Minutes of August 2006 EAA Chapter 704

EAA Chapter 704 met for their regular monthly meeting on Monday, August 14, 2006 at the Sparta Paul C Miller Airport.

There were 27 present at the meeting including several guests.

President John Gill called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and introduced several guests.
Glenn Holt had visited several times before and decided to join the chapter at this meeting. Mr Raleigh Smith was present representing his son-in law who has acquired a Starduster project in pieces and was asking for any help he could get in assembling this aircraft.

Kevin Flemming and his friend, Kim Miedema were also present and later in the evening Kevin presented a very good program and demonstration on various welding techniques with steel and aluminum. He had a trailer set up with equipment to do any sort of welding you might require and offered to let any of the members test their skill which several did.

President Gill presented a check for $500.00 to the club. He had received this from the Sparta Lion's Club as the chapter share in the profits from the pancake breakfast in July. It was noted that the Lion's Club had donated a sum to the Boy Scout group for their assistance and the chapter voted to do the same.

President Gill then brought up the idea of a chapter picnic and it was decided to hold a potluck picnic on Sunday, September 10 at 5:00 pm. This is the day before the regular September meeting so it was decided to make this the regular meeting of EAA chapter 704.

The meeting was adjourned to the program mentioned above.

Respectfully submitted,

Jay Dean, Sec/Prop Tem

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (August '06)

Members,

The excitement of air venture has come and gone. I spent three day's looking at all the new and expensive gadget's and airplanes in all the displays. The Honda display was most impressive with their new jet and all the other toy's.

It was awesome to get a first hand look at the B1 bomber.

On Wednesday evening, Ford hosted the chapter President's with drinks and food. It was a pleasure talking with Caroll Shelby, Jack Rouch, and Edsel Ford.

The program for our meeting is Lincoln Electric demonstrating their welders. If you have any extra pieces of 4130 steel, or any small project, please bring it along and try out the new machines.

Looking forward to seeing all of you.

Your president,

John Gill

July (2006) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes July 10, 2006

The regular monthly meeting of EAA Chapter 704 was held on July 10 at the Sparta Paul C Miller Airport pilot’s lounge. There were 16 members and 2 guests present. Secretary Kathy Hakeem was absent and Jay Dean was appointed secretary pro tern.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President John Gill. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter. In the absence of Treasurer Hakeem there was no treasurers report.

Old business concerned the pending closing of the runway so reconstruction could begin. The proposed closing date is on or about August 1 (2006).

President Gill held a discussion on possible programs for future meeting. Touring some local industries was suggested along with a chapter picnic.

Larry Bauer has been appointed chapter Flight Advisor. The flight Advisor would, amongst other things, assist in preparing students for upcoming check rides. Larry reports having assisted several pilots in achieving their floatplane ratings.

He also described a recent flight where he helped Dan Carlson take delivery of a float plane over in Wisconsin and accompanied him on his flight back to Michigan. He spoke of flying across Lake Michigan staying close to the surface of the water in order to maintain visual awareness of the horizon —there being no artificial horizon in the panel. Having no Wisconsin Flight Chart they flew East from their departure location knowing they would eventually encounter Lake Michigan and then continued East across Lake Michigan knowing that Michigan had to be there somewhere. They made landfall and were able to identify the sand dunes in the Hart/Shelby area.

President Gill brought up the Pancake Fly in to be held this coming Sunday in conjunction with the Sparta Town and Country Days. Chapter 704 along with the Sparta Lion’s Club will provide the breakfast. 704 will do the set up —tables, chairs, etc — and the Lions’ Club will do the cooking.

Again, as in times past, Paramount Aviation is graciously providing their hangar to house the event.. Our thanks goes out to Tom Owens and his organization for this kind gesture as it provides a most pleasant and impressive site for townspeople and visiting pilots to enjoy a nice breakfast.

President Gill also reminded pilots to be aware of local TFR’s that pop up around the area in this season of air shows and special events. He noted that violation of a TFR could result in serio1JS consequences. In this regard the chapter is attempting to notify all local pilots via e-mail whenever a restricted area is created in and around Michigan.

After a break for snacks, a couple of aviation related videos were shown

Meeting adjourned 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jay Dean, See pro tern

Addendum to the minutes of July 10, 2006 meeting of EAA Chapter 704.

Tech Counselor, Dan Bauman, held a discussion and demonstrated the construction of hydraulic hose end fittings showing how to correctly accomplish this at a cost much less than those commercially available. If one is faced with having to do this, Dan is available to assist as needed.

Friday, July 07, 2006

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (July '06)

Members,

Summer and holidays have arrived bringing on a busy season, with air adventure only three weeks away.

Let's plan on a picnic for the chapter on one of these hot summer days. It would be a good chance to get to know the members and their mates, as well as their interests.

Looking forward to seeing all of you at the meeting next Monday.

Your president,
John

Dawn Patrol Pancake Breakfast (2006)


On July 16th from 7:30am til 11:00am in conjunction with Sparta Town & Country Days with tractor pulls, lawn mower races & radio control airplanes airshows during festival days.

Cost: Adults - $5.00
Children - 10 and under $2.50

Sponsored by EAA 704 & Sparta Lions Club. Call 616-887-5744.

June (2006) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes
June 12, 2006

President Gill was delayed while on a return flight back to our airport, so Vice President Paul Spetosky assumed the leadership for the beginning of the meeting. Secretary Kathy Hakeem was also absent so P.J. Bevelacqua took care of recording the minutes.

The minutes from the last meeting were approved as written in the June newsletter.

Tech. Counselor Dan Bauman stated he was still working on the PA-12 and that he also recently picked up an RV-9A kit that is partially completed.

Airport Manager Vic Johnston stated that he, along with some other pilots, had been on a jaunt over to Hart/Shelby for breakfast the previous weekend. Apparently 6 pilots had started the trek and 3 others joined in and went out over the dunes on Lake Michigan and checked out the shipwreck near there. He also said that they were planning many more “fly-ins” including that upcoming weekend.

Vic also stated that the runway expansion will be starting around July 5th, and that the first stage of preparation should not get in the way of the upcoming Pancake Breakfast on July 16th (The runway will be available for fly-ins).

The applications for the new Airport Manager are being reviewed by the Village of Sparta.

Ron Fritz brought his 1938/39 Miss Worlds Fair (rubber powered) model. He gave us some background on his experiences with rubber powered airplane models.

President John Gill arrived and was able to step in and chair the remainder of the meeting. He shared with us how he was able to ride in Tom Kozura’s Skybolt on the previously mentioned Saturday fly-in to Hart/Shelby.

Ken Barnum brought a few pieces of his RV-9A to show his progress (Ken has been working on his project for about 2 years).

The powered-parachutes on the field have had a rough spring due to the weather, but are hoping for better weather soon.

After the break, President Gill brought the meeting to an end and invited the members out to his hanger to look at some airplanes (and stuff).
-P.J. Bevelacqua,
Newsletter & Website
(substituting as Secretary)

Sparta Area Pilots Association BBQ (2006)


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Please contact Kathy Hakeem at (616) 550-0878 to help out with this event. Your participation in this event would be greatly appreciated. Please tell your friends and family to come on out and enjoy the food and fun...

On July 15th starting at 11:00am (in conjunction with the events of Sparta Town & Country Days).The location for this event will be just outside “hangar D”. The menu includes brats, hotdogs, etc...

Thursday, June 08, 2006

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (June '06)

Members,

It's warm weather flying time. Let's plan on flying to some of the Dawn Patrols as a group.
EAA Airventure is scheduled for July 24 to the 30th. They have printed a booklet on the notams and procedures that start at 6AM July 22 to 6AM July 31. You can order one from www.airventure.com. If you are planning on flying in, be sure to familiarize yourself with these procedures.

Please share any ideas or preferences you may have for future programs.
I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.

Your president,
John

May (2006) Meeting Minutes

(Disclaimer: The minutes were shortened due to the loss of the paperwork from last month, the following is the simplified version)

The meeting was called to order by chapter president John Gill. The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted as presented. Cliff Maine gave a very informative talk on the need for insurance for both aircraft owners and renters. He also spoke on buying aircraft.
-Kathy Hakeem,
Secretary, Treasurer, & Young Eagles

REGULATIONS


REGULATIONS

For Operation of Aircraft
- Commencing January 1920 -


1. Don’t take the machine into the air unless you are satisfied it will fly.
2. Never leave the ground with the motor leaking.
3. Don’t turn sharply when taxiing. Instead of turning sharp, have someone lift the tail around.
4. In taking off, look at the ground and the air.
5. Never get out of a machine with the motor running until the pilot relieving you can reach the engine controls.
6. Pilots should carry hankies in a handy position to wipe off goggles.
7. Riding on the steps, wings, or tail of a machine is prohibited.
8. In case the engine fails on takeoff, land straight ahead regardless of obstacles.
9. No machine must taxi faster than a man can walk.
10. Never run motor so that blast will blow on other machines.
11. Learn to gauge altitude, especially on landing.
12. If you see another machine near you, get out of the way.
13. No two cadets should ever ride together in the same machine.
14. Do not trust altitude instruments.
15. Before you begin a landing glide, see that no machines are under you.
16. Hedge-hopping will not be tolerated.
17. No spins on back or tail slides will be indulged in as they unnecessarily strain the machines.
18. If flying against the wind and you wish to fly with the wind, don’t make a sharp turn near the ground. You may crash.
19. Motors have been known to stop during a long glide. If pilot wishes to use motor for landing, he should open throttle.
20. Don’t attempt to force machine onto ground with more than flying speed. The result is bouncing and ricocheting.
21. Pilots will not wear spurs while flying.
22. Do not use aeronautical gasoline in cars or motorcycles.
23. You must not take off or land closer than 50 feet to the hanger.
24. Never take a machine into the air until you are familiar with its controls and instruments.
25. If an emergency occurs while flying, land as soon as possible.

More Aircraft on the Lines at Oshkosh

Submitted by John D. Smith

Aeronca C-3


Aeronca C-3 Colegent


The Interceptor 400

Thursday, May 04, 2006

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (May '06)

Members,
I hear a lot of people saying, Thank God it’s Friday and I keep wondering how Friday got here so quickly.

Spring is here and some good flying weather comes with it,. Get out and enjoy, but plan ahead for your flying trips because spring also brings rain, fog, and possible thunder storms.
I made a couple of trips lately that have involved clear weather on part of the flight and storms along the way, so be prepared to divert or delay for a while. The plan is to be safe and have a good trip.

At this coming meeting, let’s discuss what the members would like in the way of programs for the meetings and what activities you are interested in.

Plan on being there Monday night.

Your president,
John

Photos of John Gill’s RV-7 Project

Aircraft on the Lines at Oshkosh

Submitted by John D. Smith

Ford Flivver

Storch

French Military Trainer

Aussie or New Zealand Sprayer and Duster

April (2006) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes April 10, 2006

The meeting was called to order by John Gill at 7:05 pm. Last month minutes were accepted as presented. No treasurer’s report was given because the treasurer forgot the checkbook. Tom Kozura gave a short presentation on his duties concerning his new position with the FAA. Ron Fritz demonstrated how to time the magnetos on an engine. Also John Smith told a little about his trip to Europe to visit his son in the military. He visited several small airports there and scouted out the GA activity. Ken Barnum discussed what he had seen at Sun and Fun in Florida. After a short break for pizza and cookies, John Gill presented a video on first flights in a homebuilt.

-Kathy Hakeem,
Secretary, Treasurer, & Young Eagles

Treasurer’s report for May

1791.66 in Checking account with $20.00 on hand.

The treasurer wishes to remind all those who haven’t paid dues to do so, and thanks those who have.

-Kathy Hakeem,
Secretary, Treasurer, & Young Eagles

Thursday, April 06, 2006

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (Apr '06)

Snow flakes are falling this afternoon and it's time for spring flying.

My RV7 project is moving slowly. Cowl has been trimmed and fitted.. Dusty job that fiber glass."YUK"

I flew to Ashtabula Ohio last week on a cold and windy day. This was the maiden flight after the installation of the new fuel cells. All went well.
Due to Sun & Fun and spring break, I don't expect we will have a large turn out for our April meeting. So let's eat pizza and discuss personal projects. Feel free to bring parts or assemblies for show and tell.

I hear Sun & Fun calling me. I'm sure Rita won't miss me for another couple of days.

Look forward to seeing everyone on Monday.

Pizza is on me.

Happy & safe flying, John

March (2006) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2006

The meeting was called to order by President Gill at 7pm. We had 2 visitors, Bob VanStream, who is building a RV6 and is currently flying a Quicksilver on floats and John Gill’s grandson, Evan.

P.J. Bevelacqua showed a model he built of the Tomahawk that he learned to fly in.

Dave Duperon gave a brief update on the Smith’s Super Cub is he building. Bob Rector, Homer Tiestma and Jim Jastepher mentioned that they had spent time helping the sheriff look for a gentleman who had walked away from a home in Lowell. They mentioned that the sheriff might want volunteer who would be willing to help look in the future. A list of names of pilots interested was started.

Dave Jeltema told about his experience when the right wing of his Stits playboy developed holes during flight.

Dan Bauman gave a demonstration of swaging with a Nichol press tool and how to safety a turnbuckle.

Tom Kozura showed a video of refueling a B52 and doing 15 second interval takeoff.

After a short break for coffee and cookies Greg Toman and Todd Stehouwer of Grand Rapids Technologies gave a demonstration of their new EFIS system which pretty much blew everyone’s mind away.

Ben Schaefer of Rockford joined.

The meeting a adjourned at 8:41.
-Kathy Hakeem, Secretary, Treasurer, & Young Eagles

Funny Pics (April '06)

German Aviation Terms

AIRCRAFT---Der Fliegenwagen

JET TRANSPORT---Der Muchen Overgrossen Biggenmother Das Ist Fliegen Highenfaster Mit All Der Mach Und Flightenlevels. (Built by Boeing)

PROPELLER---Der Airfloggen Pushenthruster

ENGINE---Der Noisenmaken Pistonpusher Das Turnens Der AirfloggenfanPushenthruster

JET ENGINE---Der Schreemen Skullschplitten Firespitten Smokenmaken Airpushenbacken Thrustermaker Mit Compressorsqueezen Und Turbinespinnen Bladenrotors. (Made by Pratt & Whitney)

CONTROL COLUMN---Der Pushenpullen Bankenyanken Schtick

RUDDER PEDALS---Der Tailschwingen Yawmaken Werks

PILOT---Der Pushenpullen Bankenyanken Tailschwingen Werker

PASSENGER---Der Dumbkopf Das Est Strappened En Der Baacken Mit Der Other Dumbkopfs Das Est Expecten To Leave Undgo On Scheduledtimen Und Arriven mit
Der Luggagebags Somplaceneisen

STUDENT PILOT---Der Dumbkopf Das Learnen Fliegen Un Hopen To Jobenfinden Mit Der Airlinens

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR---Der Timenbuilder Mit Less Den 1000 Hrs Multienginefliegen. Teachen Dumbkopfs To Fliegen Vile Waitenwatchen Fer Der
Letter Mit Der Joboffering Frum United

AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT---Das Grosse Overpaiden Und Under Werken Whinencomplainer Biggen Schmuck Dat Fliegen Mit Das Big Airlinen

PARACHUTE---Der tringencotten Das Est Usen To Floaten Der Tailschwingen Pushenpullen Bankenyanken Werker Down To Earthen Ven Der Fliegenwagen Est Kaputen

FAA---Der Friggenfliegen Dumbkopf Schmucks Das Maken Alder Rulens Und Regulations

Helicopter --- Der Flingen Wingen Maschinen mit der Floppen Bladens dot ist Fliegen by der Dumbkopfs vas iss too Stupiden for Knowen dees Maschinens ees not Safen ver Fliegen.

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (Mar '06)

Let us all give a big thank you to Ron and Shirley for preparing the food and all the effort they put in to make our chapter banquet a huge success. Also to Kathy and Dan for their help. Special thanks to Roger and Marilyn Doane for the use of the club house. It was an excellent facility for the event.

The banquet was great time to socialize and get to know each other. Larry Bauer was all smiles at the meeting and probably because he was the only person I know of that had been flying that day. Some of us were waiting for better weather and I was hanging the engine on my RV 7.

We loved Jeffrery's music, and Linda's talk was entertaining and educational.

My flying for the month was almost all on commercial airlines to and from Colorado, but it was worth it. Skiing was great.

The program for Monday has not been finalized. Please make every effort to attend the meeting.

Happy building and flying, John

February (2006) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes - February 13, 2006

The meeting was called to order by Vice president Paul Spetoskey at 7:05pm, John Gill was not in attendance.

New members Tim Wasko, Jeff Neimeier joined. Dave Jeltema is back with us. There was a brief discussion of the dinner to be held on Saturday and a vote was taken to change it to a catered dinner with Ron and Shirley Fritz, Dan and Kathy Bauman doing the cooking.

Bill Stettler gave an interesting slide show of his trip to Mexico and Central America by plane back in the ‘70’s which unfortunately was cut short by equipment malfuction.

The meeting a adjourned at 8:41.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (Feb '06)

Vice President Paul Spetosky will be presiding at this months meeting while I am enjoying the steep slopes in CO on the contentinental divide.

My RV7 project has slowed up a little as I have been skiing in upper Michigan and taking time to do the annual on the bonanza.

Ron Fritz came up with an interesting idea for our banquet that is scheduled for the end of this month. He will bring it up for discussion at the meeting.

The flying weather has been great, but last month I only spent 30 minutes flying the bonanza and got a couple of hours in the RV4. I'm sure some of you have had more and better quality flying time.

Stay safe and I will see you soon.

Happy flying, John

January's Feature Program Photos (2006)

The images below are of Gary Kremers’ RV, that was presented in last month’s program.

January (2006) Meeting Minutes

EAA Chapter 704 held the regular monthly meeting on 1-9-06 at the Sparta Paul C Miller Airport pilot's lounge with about 2 dozen persons in attendance.

President John Gill called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and held a short business meeting.

Under "old business", Ron Fritz held a discussion relative to a chapter banquet in February. This is planned to be held on Saturday. February 25th at Roger and Marilyn Doanes' mobile home park activity building. The park is called Cedar Fields and is located at 17 mile Rd. and Highway 131 near Cedar Springs. The event is planned to be a pot luck dinner with program of some sort. More details will be available at the February 704 meeting.

EAA headquarters is requesting an up to date roster of our membership to include the members EAA numbers and expiration date. Members will be contacted for this information. It is hoped this data can be collected at the next meeting.

Under new business: Airport manager, Vie Johnston called attention to the activities going on at the Clare, Michigan airport and told how the manager was posting these activities in a publication called the Michigan Flying Times so that the whole flying community can be aware of the happenings at their airport. He is suggesting we could have a person designated to feed information about activities at Sparta to this publication and make the area more aware of our existence and generate interest in attending some of them (I.e. Fly-ins etc.)

President Gill emphasized the importance of reactivating our membership with phone calls and personal invitations to some who haven't been attending lately. He would like to see our group be fully active with lots of things going on. He asked everyone's support in getting this done.

Tech Counselor, Dan Bauman. Held a discussion on Swaging cable ends and demonstrated a new swaging tool he has obtained. He created a cable end loop with a swage tool showing the proper way it should be done. He also had a cable cutting tool which does a real neat job of cutting cable --not easily done Without this tool.

Dan also told of the progress he is making on the P A 12 Super Cub he is building and hinted at the complexity of the project and the problems he has had since much of the project is customized and he had to fabricated many of the parts as he went along. He has been working lately one the Skylight installation.

Larry Bauer commented on the "Family Cruiser" he is building and Dave DuPerron spoke of his Super Cub project.

Jay Dean, acting secretary, was collecting dues and four members paid.

After a break for refreshments, Gary Kremers gave a program on his RV project showing slides of the building process and finally the finished product. It turned out to be a beautiful class A plus airplane with an electronics package to be the envy of all who want a fully IFR machine with the latest in sophistication. Gary had previously built and flown a Pulsar which was also a pristine flying machine. He is to commended for his knowledge and building skills --he is obviously dedicated to excellence.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Jay Dean, Substitute Secretary

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Friday, January 06, 2006

A Message From Our Chapter President, John Gill (Jan '06)

Happy New Year: I can't believe that I'm getting older, but it seems like it takes a lot longer to get things accomplished. Here it is time for the first meeting of the year and the program is still not confirmed. Please be patient and hopefully the program will be of benefit to flyers and builders.

My latest flying adventure's were on commercial airlines with lots of delays and rerouting. I spent a week in Tahoe skiing with my son and daughter in law, two grandsons and two granddaughters. We had a wonderful time.

Let's hope for some clear and cold weather soon so we can get our planes in the air.

My RV 7 project is languishing in the home workshop, but I am thinking of moving it to the hanger.

Many thanks to all who helped make the Christmas party a success. Let's have a good turnout on Monday night. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.

Air Zoo Invitation

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EAA Chapter 145 would like to invite your chapter to come with us to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. A visit is planned for Saturday, January 14, 2006. Chapter 145 invites anyone interested in visiting the Air Zoo to come along. Details are as follows:
Transportation

EAA145 will provide transportation (vans) to and from Kalamazoo

If you would like to drive
(w/4 passengers), EAA145 will pay for fuel.

Schedule:
  • Plan to leave Riverview airport at 9AM, arrive Air Zoo about 10AM
  • Return to Riverview, time depending on riders in the van, i.e. 2PM, 4PM, 6PM?

Cost of Admission:
  • Normal cost of ticket: Adult $19.50, Senior $17.50, Child (6-15) $15.50, Child (<5)>
  • Military ID, 20% discount: Adult $15.60, Senior $14.00, Child (6-15) $12.40
  • Purchase on-line, 20% discount: Adult $15.60, Senior $14.00, Child (6-15) $12.40

RSVP with number going

Sign up on list in Riverview
lobby or call Dick Foster at
(616) 538-8849

More Information: www.airzoo.org or Air Zoo phone: 866-424-7966

Map of the Great Lakes Region