Friday, December 07, 2007

NEXT MEETING!! Monday, December 10, 2007 at 7:00 pm

NEXT MEETING!!
Monday, December 10, 2007 at 7:00 pm
The Meeting will be held at the Sparta Airport. Please plan on attending.

The EAA Chapter 704 meets at 7pm on the 2nd Monday of every month at the Sparta Municipal Airport or the homes of members when it can be arranged

Chapter 211/704 Christmas Party - 12/15/07

Chapter 211/704 Christmas Party

Saturday, December 15th, 2007

Where: John Gill's hangar at the Sparta Airport.

When: The hangar opens around 6pm and dinner starts at 7pm

everyone attending please bring a dish to pass.

President’s Message (December 2007)

Out with the old regime, and in with a new streamlined, energetic, resourceful, proactive, dynamic, innovative group of leaders! This will be the main focus of our next meeting on December 10, so be thinking of those folks you are going to nominate, and start practicing your acceptance speeches. Having said that, I imagine the attendance has already dropped to about half. But I do expect the "Pair-a-Docs" to be back with us, as they were conspicuously absent at the last meeting.

Other items on the agenda may include an update on the Christmas Party; catch up on reports from our members regarding projects, interesting trips, or whatever you may like to share; and review some old business topics.

We owe Li'l Ronnie Fritz a big thanks for extemperaneouly stepping up into Doc Dean's shoes to record the minutes for us. He did a marvelous job.

I think it has been a good year for us, and I thank all of you for making it so! Many of you participated in many ways....Young Eagles, sharing stories and projects, working at the breakfasts and the POTH project, participating in the flyouts, and sharing the use of your hangars for some of our activities. I thank you for that because it makes me look better, as I get to take the credit!

See you on the 10th, and bring your favorite lady with you....tell her "it's a date" or "a night out"......let's see how clever you can be to get to attend.

Stay between the wing tips.

- Vic Johnston

THANK YOU CHAPTER 704!

I want to thank you all for thinking of me while I’m not feeling well. Your generous gift was a great surprise and is greatly appreciated. I hope to see you all again real soon.

-Kathy Hakeem

November (2007) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the regular meeting of November 12, 2007. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 PM by President Vic Johnston. No attendance was taken.

In the absence of the Secretary/Treasurer no minutes or treasurer’s report was given.

Old Business:

Pres. Johnston reported that Steve Zelle, who has published a book on small, unlicensed airports, is still looking for additional airports. The chapter has purchased a book and it is on file at the airport lounge.

Vic reported that Chet Uncapher, of Chapter 211, is checking into the possibility of having the 2008 Michigan Tour make one of its stops at the Sparta Airport. More on this later.

Discussion was held on the 2008 Chapter calendar and it was decided not to pursue the calendar for this year.

The television in the airport lounge has died and it is hoped someone in the group will have an old one to donate.

There is still no volunteers to be the chapter representative for Boy Scout Troop 704.

New Business:

John Gill announced the 2007 joint chapter Christmas party will be held in his hangar at Sparta Airport on Saturday, December 15. His hangar will be open at 6:00 PM with the potluck dinner starting at 7:00 PM. Everyone planning to attend was asked to bring a dish to pass. Chapter 211 will be providing entertainment this year and there will be no gift exchange.

President Johnston announced that former Sec/Treas. Kathy Hakeem is experiencing health problems and has no health insurance to help with the bills. Motion by John Gill and 2nd by Ed DeBruyn to write a check for $250.00 out of the treasury to give to Kathy. Motion passed. An additional collection was taken from those present and netted $350.00.

Paul Zimmer asked if the chapter would be interested in having a well known avionics expert come to Sparta to talk to a gathering of all pilots/plane owners. His name is Bob Nuchols. If there is enough interest, he will pursue the subject.

Jim Jastifer gave a report on a group of local powered parachute owners getting together to get their planes licensed in the experimental category. They had excellent treatment from the FAA agent who came to do the certification.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM by president Johnston.

Respectfully submitted
-Ron Fritz

TO: ALL EAA CHAPTER MEMBERS (from Paul H. Poberezny)

TO: ALL EAA CHAPTER MEMBERS
When I read through the history of your EAA, living every day for half a century plus, I truly know how time flies. I want to share with you some of the thoughts of our members as they appeared in our Sport Aviation magazine back in 1963. The organization of dreamers, homebuilders and fellow aviation supporters building/designing their aircraft under the CAA/FAA 51% rule we worked so diligently for and earned is something to be treasured. One can build his or her airplane for educational and recreational purposes and friends can work with you for their own educational value. Really, we can build one half of it – the other half, such as engines, propellers, wheels, brakes, instruments, radios, items not normally within the capabilities of those who work with hand and mind can be purchased. Now we are faced with a situation of the FAA amateur building program being used for commercial purposes – from building complete aircraft or well over the half mark … not within the intent of the program given to us by those CAA/FAA folks who believed in us. Let’s hope we don’t lose this privilege.

Sincerely,

Experimental Aircraft Association
Paul H. Poberezny
Founder and Chairman of the Board

Link to the Article: "Experimental Or Not" by [the late] Joe Kirk, EAA 2023
http://www.eaa.org/sportaviation/2007/november/1963_02_kirk.pdf

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

President’s Message (November 2007)

Greetings 704ers,

Fall colors are about over and the end of the year is drawing nigh. I am heading south for an indeterminate time to help my son move from N Carolina to Valdosta, so I may not be back in time for the meeting. Therefore, I have notified Paul Spetosky to be ready to take over. I have nothing real special planned, but I do have a rough, informal agenda for us to mull over. Here it is:

1. Vote / decide whether we want to do a calendar this year as time is running short, or “can” the pictures til next year whereas we will have time to add more choices. If you decide to go ahead with the calendar, I suggest a volunteer commitee of 3 or 4 to decide on the pictures. You may want to discuss cost and timeliness of the project.

2. Be thinking of new officers for next month’s meeting.

3. Have John Gill discuss the Christmas party hosted in his hangar in mid December and the challenge presented us by the “other” chapter. See if we have any volunteers to take up the Challenge....I personally recommend Doc Dean and Larry Bauer...any others?

4. anyone come up with any “out of the way” landing strips? If you thought of any, let me know and I can forward them on to Steve Zelle to add to his directory.

5. other items to discuss?

Hope to see you at the meeting.

- Vic Johnston

October (2007) Meeting Minutes

EAA Chapter 704 met for its regular monthly meeting on October 8, 2007 at the Sparta Paul C. Miller Airport pilot’s lounge with 25 members and guests present.

President Vie Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed in the news letter. The treasurer reported $1888.07 in the checkbook with all bills paid.

President Johnston reported on the recent Fly Out to the Double J Ranch. He said that 8 airplanes went on the flight and 7 returned. One aircraft, belonging to our president, failed to start and had to be have some spark plug work done to get it started. Fortunately we have some very helpful AP mechanics in our group that come in mighty handy at times.

Steve Zelle flew in from Plymouth Mettetal airport near Detroit (EAA Chapter 113) to talk to us about a project he has worked on for the last 3 ½ years. He became interested in the fact that there are a goodly number of private uncharted landing strips located all over our state. He began making a list of them and contacted the owners to get the approval for listing them in a book to be made available to pilots. He stated that the Michigan Airport Directory lists 233 registered airports. He has identified 545 uncharted landing strips making a total of 778 places to land here in the state of Michigan.

He now has printed and is selling a book listing these landing strips complete with location and phone numbers of owners. He suggested that, if possible, a phone call to the owner would be appropriated if you find such a landing place close to where you want to go and would like to take advantage of that convenience.

He stated that he had had some very interesting experiences in the process of collecting this data —met and talked with some very interesting people. The chapter (707) purchased a copy of the book and it is on display in the lounge. Several chapter members purchased copies for themselves as well.

President Johnston stated that the project of photographing members airplanes is a little behind schedule —there was still time to get it don. See Dave Meinke about this.

Bill Fish, John Gill and Dan Bauman gave project reports with progress being made by all three. Scott Richmond told of his flying trip to the U.P. and ran into oil leak problems —had a gasket problem. It appears that there are some airplanes that like to go places but don’t like to come home.

Meeting adjourned

Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704

COLD WEATHER INFLIGHT HAZARDS AND TIPS

By: Technical Counselor Dave VanDenburg
EAA Chapter 439 (Michigan)
(email: WA8DOF@yahoo.com)
www.eaa.439.org

This month I would like to discuss cold weather operations by discussing some in-flight hazards and tips applicable in the winter months.

Probably the first in-flight hazard that comes to mind when we think about winter is icing. I have flown combat aircraft in a lot of areas of the world, and short of actual combat, only two things scare me in an aircraft. One is thunderstorms (which we don’t see much of in the winter) and icing, which we do. If you see ice build up on your windshield or wings, change altitude or find clear air quickly. Don’t be afraid to use the “E” word (emergency) to get whatever help is available from ARTCC.

If you experience a reduction in RPM (fixed pitch prop) or a reduction in manifold pressure (constant speed prop) suspect induction system icing. This could be carb ice or impact ice on your air filter. If you think you are experiencing induction system icing, apply full carb heat or select alternate air. If you have carb ice, the engine will probably run rougher (as the ice melts) but will clear up soon. I do not recommend using partial carb heat unless you have a carb air temp gauge. Partial heat may increase the carb ice problems.

If you are flying behind a constant speed prop, cycle it every 30 minutes or so to keep warm oil in the dome. A sluggish pitch change mechanism could be slow to react and result in an engine overspeed during a rapid power application. This could be real expensive (and dangerous).

Switch fuel tanks with plenty of fuel remaining in the tank. If you have a frozen valve and cannot select the full tank, you will still have enough fuel to land safely. If you wait until the engine coughs, and then find you cannot move the selector valve, you will probably call yourself a few bad names and join the ranks of those called “Glider Pilots.”

Avoid power off letdowns. A high speed, idle, descent can result in very rapid cooling of your engine (shock cooling) and cracked cylinder heads. Lycoming recommends a maximum temperature change of 50 degrees F per minute. Keeping the engine leaned until you are approaching pattern altitude can also help keep your engine temps up.

After landing, run your engine at a low power setting for several minutes prior to shutdown. This also promotes slow cooling and will reduce oil cooking if you are turbo supercharged.

Lastly, I highly recommend you carry some form of survival kit. It would really stink to survive an off airport landing and then freeze to death before someone found you. Some of the things I recommend are space blankets, some duct tape, matches, an aluminum cup, knife, freeze dried coffee, tea, signaling mirror (a CD works great) and warm clothing to include a hat and gloves. Also carry a hand held radio.

These have been just a few ideas to consider when flying during the winter months. Lycoming has some cold weather tips in their book “Key Reprints.” This book is available free online at www.lycoming.textron.com. Your POH is also a great source of cold weather operating tips.

Winter flying is fun and can be just as safe and enjoyable as summer, if we take a few precautions.

EAA SHARED ARTICLE

A Statement From Our Chapter President Vic Johnston

I talked to Kathy Hakem tonight and that poor lady is in desperate need of help. She returned from Cleveland Clinic where they sent her home and declared they could find nothing wrong with her. Any one who has seen or talked to Kathy in the last six months would realize her condition has spiraled to the point that she can not even type on her computer anymore. In talking with her, I am also concerned with the emotional state this illness has rendered her. But not only is her health and emotional conditions reached bottom shelf, Kathy is also financialy destitute with medical bills...and still is left the responsibility of caring for her mother.

I know there is not much any of us can do to relieve her health issues. But we can contribute to help out her financial problems, which might also help a little in the emotional area. I would like to suggest / recommend we make a donation from our EAA treasury, and also take up a collection from individuals who can contribute whatever they can.

I dont need to remind anyone how much this lady has contributed in time and favors to the rest of us and to the airport over the last five years or so. This is a good opportunity for some of us to give back to her. Thank you on Kathy’s behalf, and you can also brighten her day with an email message.

-Vic

A Message to Chapter 704 Members

Hello Vic and EAA 704,

I am helping a fellow (Jerry Yagen)
http://www.fighterfactory.com/ locate World-War-One era engines/airframes or replicas. Hispano-Suiza, Mercedes, Hall-Scott, Liberty, OX-5, Siemens-Halske, Oberursel, Clerget, LeRhone, Gnome, other rotaries, etc. If you know of anything for sale or trade I’d appreciate any information.

I also do aircraft construction/restoration (tube-and-fabric, wood, aluminum etc.) if I can be of service to anyone.

A mention of the engines in your newsletter or website would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Russ Lassetter
EAA# 0448996
Cleveland, Georgia
706-348-7514
rblassett@alltel.net

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

President’s Message (October 2007)

Hey Flyboys (and girls, too), The colors are brilliant! There are still a few good days left to enjoy the seasonal array. We could still use some more pictures to put in the calendar, so if you would like to submit a picture of your plane, bring it to the meeting on the 8th. If you don’t have a pic, call me and we may be able to schedule a photo shoot with Dave Meinke, especially while we have such a colorful backdrop.

We had a good meeting last month with Tom Kraschen from MDOT-AERO speaking on LSA certification. He even gave us a choice of topics. This month's meeting will feature a gentleman who is working on the project of compiling a directory of all the airports in Mich that are not listed on the chart or in the Mich directory. He is always looking for new ones that he has not represented yet, so if you know of some obscure strip somewhere, bring all you know about it so he can include it.

We had a nice flyout to Double JJ Saturday, with 7 planes leaving......but only 6 returning. A total of 15 people enjoyed a fine breakfast. Dave Meinke was a "late show" so he missed the meal, but not the beautiful flight. Oh, I would like to thank my good friends, Larry and Kevin for helping me retrieve my plane the next day, and thank Tom, Dennis, and John for hauling me and my passengers back home. See you at the meeting.

-Vic Johnston

September (2007) Meeting Minutes

EAA Chapter 704 held it regular monthly meeting on September 10, 2007 at the Sparta Paul C Miller Airport pilot’s lounge with 20 members and guests present.

The meeting began with a presentation by Thomas Krashen from Michigan D. O. T. Aviation Division. He showed slides and held and spoke generally on the subject of Sport Pilot license and Light Sport Airplanes. It was of particular interest because several of our group are now flying in that category.

The minutes of previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter. There is $1979.09 in the check book with all bills paid.

President Johnston reported on the recent “Pork on the Hoof’ program held at our airport recently. Paul Zimmer reported that 71 Young Eagles were flown that day with around 130 people in total received airplane rides thanks to several pilots who participated--there were 7 airplanes being used that day. Paul announced that there were still 13 applications for Young Eagle flights to be given rides as soon as possible.

Our thanks to Scott Richmond who ramrodded the event to the benefit of the Big Brothers/Sisters of Grand Rapids program.

President Johnston announced that several of our group participated in a Fly-out to the Double JJ Ranch a few days ago.

EAA Calendars are now available at $7.50 each when purchased in quantities of25. There was a discussion of photographing some of our own airplanes and creating our own calendar as we had a couple of times before. If this were to be done the pictures would have to be taken soon. Paul Meinke has agreed to work with this.

Meeting adjourned 8:30 p.m.

Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

President’s Message (September 2007)

Good meeting!..... We heard some interesting and exciting Oshkosh episodes, project updates, and a look at John Gill's new top secret method of doing rolls from outside the airplane! Also P.J. was not present to bask in the "sitting ovation" he and Doc Dean received for the fine jobs they do.....maybe we'll to reenact that one.

The "Pork on the Hoof" event went very well, thanks to all of you who helped with the event. I know "ol' wot's his name Freetz hauled, setup and took down a lot of tables and chairs. Also, the Young Eagles portion was kept busy all day, so Paul Z may give us an update in the totals and suggestions to streamline this activity in the future.

Coming up on Sat. Sept. 8, I am planning a flyout to Double JJ Ranch for breakfast or lunch (pending weather), so call or email me if you are interested. Let me know if you prefer a breakfast or lunch event so I can make arrangements with Double JJ.

On the 10th, our meeting will feature Tom Krashen from MDOT-AERO with a presentation on either "10 things every VFR pilot should know", or " Making Sense of FAA Regs." Either one will be great, as Tom Krashen is very comprehensive and dynamic in all his presentations. Lets have a good attendance for him.

Until the 10th,...Vic Johnston

August (2007) Meeting Minutes

EAA Chapter 704 met at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2007 for it's regular monthly meeting . President Vic Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

The treasurer's report showed $1566.04 in the check book and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter.

President Johnston reported on the success of the recent fly-in pancake breakfast and stated we had received a check for $600.00 from the Lion's club for our share of the proceeds. It was voted to give $150.00 to the Boy Scout Troop 704 for their help in the project.

President Johnston called attention to and asked chapter appreciation for the work of the newsletter editor, P.J. Bevelacqua and Jay Dean, Secretary/Treasurer.

Paul Kovalak reported his work on the tail section of his RV-7 project and said he is getting ready to start on the wings.

Dan Bauman has the canopy pretty well fitted in place on his RV-9. The engine is all ready.

Dave DuPerron took his beautiful yellow Super Cub project go Oshkosh and was given an award for outstanding workmanship.

The group shared several stories about their experiences at Oshkosh.

President Johnston spoke of the upcoming "Pork on the Hoof' event scheduled for Saturday August 18. There are a number of different sorts of activities on tap in addition to the pig roast dinner. Among the events are a classic auto show, a motorcycle riding demonstration,
racing car display, helicopter rides, and a Young Eagles program providing rides to youngsters ages 8-18. The proceeds from this program are to benefit the Big Brother/Big Sisters of Grand Rapids
program.

Visitor John Grimer from Wayland was introduced to the group.

Ken Mosley showed pictures of a device he had welded together and attached to John Gills RV project allowing it to be rotated for ease of accessing the under side of the fuselage.

After the business meeting we adjourned to John Gill's hangar and look at the apparatus. It was a very clever and professional looking framework housing a jack and post which attached to the propeller flange on the engine. The attachment allowed for rotation of the aircraft with the aft end fitted via a rod through a "hole in a board" arrangement. It can be imagined that John will strap himself into the cockpit and practice snap rolls in the near future.

Meeting Adjourned 9:00 p.m.

Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704

Thursday, August 09, 2007

President’s Message (August 2007)

Dear EAAers,

Well, the Oshkosh Event is well underway as I am writing this (Jul28), so many of our members will be returning with some exciting AIRPLANE stories......I believe there is one feller with one of them there yeller aeroplanes that may have a special story to tell. With most of summer activities that can seriously interfere with our “plane-talk” behind us, it will seem good to return to normal.

I understand the Paul C. Miller fly-in breakfast event was successful. Thanks to all those who participated in the setup and teardown. I apologize that I had to leave right after the tables and chairs were in place, but I had some family obligations.

Tom Krashen from MDOT-AERO will be joining us perhaps on our September meeting for a special presentation. He always does a great job of informing and entertaining us.

See you Aug 13....bring your stories and a friend.

-Vic Johnston

Pork on the Hoof 'Fly-in, Drive-in, Trailer-in or Walk-in!'

Inaugural Pig Roast to benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Grand Rapids on August 18, 2007 from 9:30am to 4:00pm at the Sparta Municipal Airport. Visit the newly renovated Sparta Airport with FREE plane rides for kids and a Car and Motorcycle show!

A family friendly festival with free plane rides for children (ages 8 - 17), helicopter rides, flight simulators, games and treats for children. Meet IHRA funny car driver, Tim Stevens. An opportunity for pilots, car enthusiasts and motorcycle riders to gather together on the grounds of the newly remodeled airport. Proceeds will benefit the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. Call 616-887-5744 for details! We will see you then!

August 18th, 2007 - 9:30 am-4pm *
* Rain date August 19th, 2007 with same times.

Location: Sparta Municipal Airport
9100 Vinton Ave, Sparta, MI 49345

July (2007) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes July 9, 2007

EAA Chapter 704 held its regular monthly meeting on July 9th, 2007 at the Sparta Paul C Miller Airport pilot’s Lounge with 18 members and guests present.

The treasurers report shows $1641.04 in the checkbook. The minutes of the last meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter.

President Johnston led a discussion on the upcoming pancake breakfast/flyin. There was a very mixed feeling over the location of the event with the final decision to proceed as before in providing the necessary tables and chairs as promised with each individual having the option whether to attend or not.

President Johnston mentioned the upcoming Short Wing Piper Flyin at the Grant Airport on August 4. Brunch is to be held at the Grant Depot Restaurant at 11 am hosted jointly by Vic Johnston and the Koopman’s. He stated you could attend whether you flew in or not.

There is also going to be a “Pork On The Hoof’ pig roast at the Sparta Airport on August 18 to benefit the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Grand Rapids program. It will continue from 9:30 am til 4 pm.

After the business meeting we retired to Dave DuPerron’s hangar and viewed his newly completed Piper project. There are not adjectives available to describe this aircraft —It is beautiful beyond imagination. He will take it to Oshkosh with hopes of attracting the judges attention.

Meeting Adjourned

Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704

Friday, July 06, 2007

2007 Pancake Breakfast/Fly-in

Sparta Paul C. Miller Municipal Airport

Pancake Breakfast/Fly-in

July 15, 2007
7:30 am - 11:30 am

Pancake Breakfast in conjunction with Sparta Town and Country Days.
Sponsored by EAA Chapter 704, Sparta Lions Club, and Sparta BSA Troop 704.

Questions?
Contact Vic Johnston - 616.696.2895

President’s Message (July 2007)

Dear EAAers,

Let’s all thank John and Ken for such a dynamic, interesting, and informative presentation on the progress of John’s RV-7. It was also very pertinent for Jeremy and I, as we were working on JJ’s RV-3 at the time and many of our problems/questions were answered in their presentation. Would you believe that they threw that program together in less than 24 hours!?

For our meeting on the 9th we hope to have a tour of Dave Duperron’s SUPER Cub, and hopefully some dialogue from Dave to share with us some of his expertise. I think we should offer a prize to anyone who can find a flaw in the aircraft. Bet you can’t.

Also we has some unfinished business to cover regarding the Dawn Patrol Breakfast...mainly, which building we will have it in. John’s hangar does not have potable water, which is a concern of the Lions’ Club and the County Health Dept.

I will again have ol’Blue rolled out to give any Olde Eagles who missed the last meeting, an opportunity to sample some airspace before the meeting. If anyone else would like to give rides to some of our “grounded flock” have your plane(s) on the ramp at 6 pm.

Until next time,

-Vic Johnston

June (2007) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes June 14, 2007
EAA Chapter 704 met on Monday, June 11, for its regular monthly meeting. The meeting was held at the Sparta Paul C Miller Airport pilot’s lounge with 25 members and guests present. The meeting was called to order by president Vic Johnston at 7 p.m.

The treasurer reported $1669.02 in the check book with all bills paid. We had received $270.00 from the village of Sparta for their 1/2 of the costs to provide cable internet service into the lounge to supply weather data etc.

P.J. (Newsletter Editor) was asking for current or corrected e-mail addresses from the membership and sent around a sheet to facilitate this. His idea is to send the newsletter by e-mail to as many as he can to reduce the postage costs.

Paul Zimmer agreed to serve as the Young Eagles coordinator to replace Kathy Hakeem who had to resign for personal reasons.

President Johnston stated we were sill looking for a Boy Scout troop coordinator to replace Glenn Holt who had to resign for health reason. John Gill announced he would be willing to fill this position.

John Kozal, Boy Scout leader for BSA Troop 704, reported on the activities of the troop. He stated that they had started out with 8 boys in the troop and have just added 5 more. They are going to BSA Camp Gerber in a few weeks and have had several camp outs all ready as well as some service projects. One of the parents has agreed to become assistant scout master. Kozal announced that the troop does not meet during the summer but will begin again in August. BSA Troop 704 is sponsored by EAA Chapter 704 and appears to be doing well under John Kozal’s leadership.

Paramount Aviation has made a request to be included on the 704 Chapter web site along with the others that are listed. The discussion that followed indicated that the web site is owned by P.J., Newsletter editor for EAA 704, for the use of the members of EAA 704 to provide information within the group. Those listed on the web site are members of the chapter whereas Paramount is not a member and is therefore not invited to be listed on the site.

A discussion was held relative to the July Pancake Breakfast.

The Sparta Pilot’s Association is holding a STOL contest on Saturday, June 16, at the Sparta Airport in conjunction with the open house being held that day from 11:00 a.m. til 3:00 p.m.. The STOL contest is being organized by Kathy Hakeem who is urgently seeking participants.

John Gill and Ken Mosely presented a program showing a selection of pictures depicting the complexities of the wiring of his RV-7 project. John and Ken have been faced with an awesome task as John is putting a very sophisticated electronic package in his airplane. As the pictures indicate and their comments confirm, they have done the near impossible in getting all the components in place and the associated wiring routed in proper fashion. They have made a very ambitious prediction of having the airplane flying in August —and they might just do that.

Meeting Adjourned

Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

President’s Message (June 2007)

So what’s new?.....that’s what I’ve been wondering about our next meeting. I think it will somewhat resemble the old school hot lunch menu on Fridays which was a surprise cochophony of leftover dishes we had experienced the previous week (or two?) all mixed together. If you have any suggestions for topics in future meetings bring your ideas along.

I personally appreciated getting re-acquainted with some of our “Olde Eagles” last month. We all appreciated Kevin’s account, his and Dennis Wass’s sojourn to Sun & Fun. And we should all give a special thanks to the “2-Pauls” for offering their beloved Cardinal as a sacrificial lamb on the FAA altar. As it turned out, The FAA-sent angel in human form (that being Tom Kozura) was very forgiving and no aviation sins were judged. Thank all three men for making it a great presentation.

Also, John Gill helped out topping off the meeting with a static display of his RV with some of his latest innovations with the baffling and plumbing of the engine.

We will see you June 11, if I am back from camping at Ludington S.P., as will start organizing for the Dawn Patrol Breakfast in July. Vic

-Vic Johnston

May (2007) Meeting Minutes

The regular monthly meeting of EAA Chapter 704 was held on May 14,2007 at the Sparta Paul C. Miller Airport pilot's lounge. There were 27 members and guests present.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved as corrected.

President Johnston held a discussion of old business. It was announced that Kathy Hakeem wished to resign as Young Eagles coordinator due to health problems. Glenn Holt asked to be relieved from responsibilities as Boy Scout representative also for health reasons. Replacements for both these positions are being sought.

Gary Miesch, president of Greenville Pilot’s Ass’n was present and mentioned a Young Eagles day next month at Greenville working through Kalamazoo EAA Chapter 221.

There has been an invitation to attend a pancake breakfast at Ottawa Exec Airport on 6/30/07 at 8:00 a.m.. This comes from Chet and Patti Unicapher. The cost is by donation and the money will go to the Aviation Education Scholarship fund.

President Johnston urged everyone to write to their U.S. Senators and/or Representatives to protest the FAA user fee concept.
Kevin Wheeler told of his experiences flying to Sun ‘n Fun. He said they had encountered a 52 mph tail wind on the way down resulting in over 170 mph ground speed in a Cessna Buck and a Half (150). He said the trip down took just short of 7 hours —the return run took 14 hours. He had to pay as much as $5.15 per gallon for fuel.

Several members spoke of having been to Sun ‘n Fun.

Guest speaker, Tom Kozura from the FAA, conducted a typical Ramp Check on one of the member’s airplanes and described the various things the inspector would be looking for. We then visited The John Gill hangar to look over John’s RV project which is coming along very nicely.

Meeting Adjourned

Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Blue Mountain EAA Chapter 604
By - Don Bais (Courtesy of The Rite Flyer)

It’s that fabulous time of year again when spring is in the air, be it a mite cool just yet, but rest assured it will come. When the weather begins to warm a little, our aviator minds turn to flights of fancy and it’s time to get our birds out of the nest and ready to go.

Strange things happen to our birds during the time they are asleep for the winter. Moisture can form in the fuel tanks, tire pressure seems to drop, and all that dust we need to get rid of! The brake disks get rusty and the battery may be down. And then there are those various critters that can invade our planes, be they parked inside or out. Birds and mice love to make our planes their homes. Mud dobbers love to make their little mud houses on our engine cylinders and create those nasty little hot spots if we don’t find them and remove them.

We purchased our Comanche in early May of 1983. We didn’t have a hangar yet so it was parked outside. We hadn’t flown for a couple of weeks and when we went out to fly I did the usual pre-flight list checks, got in, and cranked up. We were cleared for taxi to runway 14 for departure, did our run-up and were cleared by the tower for departure.

It was a bit cool so Alyce pulled the cabin heat on. As we began our climb out something started to smell hot. It wasn’t an electrical or oil smell and there was no smoke but something was hot. I called the tower and got a short close pattern for landing. We taxied off the active and stopped in a safe place. I opened up the cowling and began to investigate. Upon close examination, I could see insect legs sticking out of the shroud around the exhaust that provides cabin heat. I took a screw driver and proceeded to remove the shroud and wouldn’t you know it – that shroud was occupied by about a quart jar full of yellow jackets. Fortunately, they were pretty disabled but still moving slowly about. I still don’t know why we didn’t get a surprise in the cockpit, but not one yellow jacket came through.

EAA SHARED ARTICLE

YOUNG EAGLE BECOMES YOUNG PILOT

By - Bruce St. Onge, EAA Chapter 439

My very first Young Eagles airplane ride was at Ford Airport about six years ago. The pilot did a very steep bank on my side and I thought to myself, “I’m not liking this…” A few years later I decided I would give it another shot, so I went to the 2004 Ford Airport Day for another Young Eagles ride. During the taxi, run-up, takeoff, cruise, and landing I was continually asking the pilot questions. When we got done, I thought to myself, “I like this stuff.” A couple years passed and Tom Sullivan invited me along with him to an EAA Chapter 439 meeting at NMU Aviation College. We took his Mooney Rocket.

We took off into an overcast layer. When we broke out above the clouds I could see the sun just coming up in the morning and it was “so sweet.” When Dave was giving us a tour around the college aviation shop I saw this huge set of Boeing wheels. I asked, “where did you get those?!” and Dave said that they were there prior to his working there. I still want them.

When I was at the Christmas party last year, Tom said he would talk to Terry to see what the costs are for learning to fly. Later that night Terry talked with me about the rates and suggested I save up the money, then do it. I told him I already have the money saved up and he replied, “YOU DO?” He could not believe it. He commented that usually kids my age (17) get their paycheck and spend it all. He said, “I’m proud of you for saving your money.”

Tom and Terry said to contact Kubick Aviation to see if he had gotten a training airplane yet. I went home that night, excited to start my training. I asked Chad Kubick of Kubick Aviation, “who teaches?” He mentioned an instructor, Mike Jensen, a C.S.A. Air pilot, and I gave him a call. My training started with my very first lesson on March 10, 2006.

Mike said to use one hand on the yoke. I did not like using one hand, but I got used to that after a little bit. After a few lessons we did my first stall. I started to yell and looked to hang on to anything I could, but there’s really nothing to hold onto in a 150. Mike said, “I guess you don’t like stalling” and I said “YOU GOT THAT RIGHT.”

I started to bring my ground school manuals to school so I could study during any open time I had. That annoyed one specific teacher, and she made me put them in my locker. One of my friends asked her why she was giving me a hard time about the books and she said “He will never become a pilot.” I thought, “Ok, she will see, that’s even a better reason to finish this.” When someone says I can’t do it, I become more motivated.

I started to help Tom with his plane in January of 2006, showing up almost every night around 7PM. I learned a lot about planes by helping Tom work on his. I found that you’re putting your life at risk with some awfully small hardware, like the four bolts that hold the engine mount on the fuselage. Tom said he would pay me an hourly rate (after getting up to speed) for helping him with the Lancair but I replied “no, I like doing this.” Tom came back with “OK, I will apply that money to flight time for getting your license.” I didn’t argue.

I met this guy, Bruce, in Chad’s hangar while waiting for my instructor, Mike. He asked how I became interested. I told him about my connection with Tom. Later that evening I was cleaning my room and found an EAA Young Eagles flight certificate that was signed by Bruce Rutter in 2004. I thought “wow!”

I first soloed on June 22nd, 2006. I was not nervous about the flight, but was nervous about the people on the ground observing my crappie landing. I did three touch and go’s. About a month later Mike and I were doing some ground work and he informed me that I would need to find a new instructor – he was being transferred to somewhere near Beaver Island. I flew with him another week and before he left, Mike signed my logbook to take the written exam. I scheduled the exam, passed the written and was ready for my next challenge.

About this same time I was getting ready to go to Oshkosh with Tom. I had never been there before; it was so cool. I will never forget that experience. I was also introduced to a new flight instructor while I was there, Dean Sledge.

When we came back from Oshkosh, Dean and I started to fly. We went on a couple cross-country flights. He signed me off for my first “solo” short cross-country flight; IMT-50D-SAW-ESC-IMT. After another dual cross-country with Dean, he signed me off for my long cross-country IMT-MFI-CWA-RHI-IMT. That was a long trip, taking about three and a half hours in a little 150.

Dean started to hound me even more to study the books (Tom had warned me, that as I got closer to the check ride, my instructor would get tougher.) The weather during this time was crap, it took us about a month to complete three hours of flying. Dean scheduled my private pilot check ride with Duffy in Marshfield for December 19th.

We arrived at Marshfield and Duffy was running about an hour late. All I was doing was pacing back and forth, back and forth. Dean said to sit down and relax. Well I was able to sit down for about 30 seconds only. Duffy came in and I sat next to him. Dean said to Duffy, “do you have any nerve pills for him?” He said, “We’re not going to get nervous, OK?”

Everything went well for the oral part. Nerve-racking though it was. The flying part was easy, but still nerve-racking. Duffy got out of the airplane, signed some papers and said, “Congratulations, you’ve earned it. I like seeing young people like yourself getting involved in aviation. It’s people like you that keep aviation running. We need more young people like you.” When I got back, everyone was saying “good job” and “congrats.”

It was never easy, and you get your share of nagging (and encouragement) from the instructors and fellow pilots to study. I can say now, it was well worth it. December 19th of 2006 was one of the most important days of my life.

EAA SHARED ARTICLE

RESERVE LIFT GAGE (AOA) KIT

Dear Fellow EAA Member,
My name is Kelly Meiste, I’m an EAA member (#623517) living in northern Illinois.

I’m currently flying the Zenith Zodiac 601 that my son & I built back in 2002.

The reason I’m writing you is to ask if you would take the time to notify your club members of the Reserve Lift Gage (or Angle of Attack) that I manufacture.

I originally fabricated a gage to use only on my plane. It worked so well that others have asked me to build one for them as well. It’s now turned into a part time job, and as I’m hoping to retire soon I’m now looking into building these kits full time.

My kit is priced at less than half the cost of the cheapest I’ve seen, so I believe it’s a good value for the money. It comes complete and ready to install in most any aircraft. Installation is fast and easy, normally only a few hours of your time will do it.

If someone would require a custom mounting bracket, or plate, I can build the one as required at little additional cost.

Please pass the attached poster around to your members, and have them contact me anytime if the would like to purchase a kit or just ask questions.

Thank you very much for your time!
Sincerely,
Kelly Meiste, EAA #623517

RESERVE LIFT GAGE (AOA) KIT
COMPLETE & READY TO INSTALL IN NEW OR CURRENTLY FLYING AIRCRAFT

• AERODYNAMICALLY SHAPED PROBE AND MOUNTING BRACKETS MACHINED FROM 6061 ALUMINUM (CUSTOM MOUNTS AVAILABLE).

• 2" DIAMETER EASY TO READ GAGE WITH MOUNTING BRACKET, OR SIMPLY INSTALL ABOVE YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR BEST VIEW DURING TAKE OFF AND LANDINGS.

• SUPPLIED WITH 33’ OF PROBE TO GAGE RIGID VINYL TUBING.

• “AN” HARDWARE, AND TUBING FITTINGS INCLUDED.

• VERY EASY INSTALLATION.

• COST IS ONLY $175 PLUS $15 S&H.
(LESS THAN HALF THE COST OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE KITS)

CONTACT: KELLY MEISTE (EAA MEMBER 623517)
PHONE: (815) 684-9922
EMAIL: kellymeiste@jcwifi.com

YES THIS GAGE IS IN MY PLANE, ONCE YOU
USE ONE YOU WOULD NEVER WANT TO
FLY AGAIN WITHOUT IT.


Thursday, May 31, 2007

April (2007) Meeting Minutes

(Previously unpublished)
EAA Chapter 704 held its regular monthly meeting at the Sparta Paul C. Miller Airport with 24 members and/or guests present.

It was announced that the Annual Pancake Breakfast Fly In is scheduled for July 15 and notices have call ready been posted with the state so the event will be posted on the internet and published in the Michigan Aviation publication. The Fly In is co sponsored by EAA 704, The Sparta Lions Club and Boy Scout troop 704. The breakfast will be held in the John Gill hangar.

Glen Holt, chapter coordinator with the Boy Scout has been in touch with the BSA leadership and is making efforts to attend their meeting when called.

Tim and Lori Layne have announced the beginning of their new flight school called Sparta Aero operating out of an office in the pilot’s lounge building

President Johnston called for project reports and there were several. It seems that most members are working on something or helping others with their projects.

Scott Richmond gave an account of his flight across the nation as he went to California to pick up a Bonanza. After encountering some difficulty in getting the aircraft inspected and signed off he was able to begin his adventure back to Michigan. It seems that an AP recommended by the seller had declared the aircraft un-airworthy for various reasons and refused to sign it off for flight. It took some finagling to get some sort of ferry permit and the trip home was begun. Weather became a factor in crossing the nation and the route home took some bizarre twists and turns going North and South almost as much as East. They make it to Valparaso, Indiana where the plane was left to be picked up later. (It has since been retrieved and by all reports is a beautiful airplane.)

The Greenville Pilot’s Ass’n is setting up a Young Eagles event —more information will be coming at a later date.

The VOR at Grand Rapids suffered some serious storm damage and is out of service. The reports are that it may remain out of service permanently.

Meeting Adjourned

Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704

Thursday, May 10, 2007

President’s Message (May 2007)

Welcome back from Sun & Fun! Your tan faces should reveal those who went. Speaking of which,....Kevin Wheeler and Denny Wass will summarize the adventure of flying down and back in a comfy (and slow) Cessna 172. I wonder if it was as exciting (in more ways than one) as Scott Richmond's trip back from California....thanks for sharing your stories with us, Scott.

We have a few things brewing in the agenda cauldron this month. Firstly, we would like to focus on our "Olde Eagles" by allowing them to view the new airport from above. I will be available at 6:00 if any one who has not had the opportunity would like to sail around the patch. If there are any other volunteer pilots willing to offer their services, have your plane on the ramp and ready to go at 6:00pm also. This may delay the start of the regular meeting, but I am sure you wont run out of conversational topics.

After our coffee break, we may amble down to John Gill's hangout and view his progress on his "7". Tom Kozura and John has offered to inform all you builders what to expect in the way of inspections and other milestones in the building process.

Also, if we have time, Tom will perform a “mock” ramp check, with no intimidation. Do we have any volunteers to lay their plane, credentials, and reputation on the line? Please give me a call if you can give "Olde Eagle" rides or art willing to be ramp checked. See you about 6pm on the 14th?

-Vic Johnston

Sorry, the April meeting minutes were not available at time of printing

Accompany Chapter 145...

Dick Foster of EAA Chapter 145 has extended an invitation to our group... Chapter 145 is having a representative from Electroair direct fire ignition systems, Waterford Mi, give a presentation on a new type of ignition system for aircraft. Check it out at www.electroair.net.
Any one who would like to know more is welcome to attend on Friday, May 11, 7:00 pm at Riverview airport.

Message From Dick Foster EAA Chapter 145...

Greetings,

The Young Eagle program has introduced over a million young people to aviation! The future of general aviation is somewhat dependent on how young people view aviation. Good pilots like you are needed to help continue flying young people.

I thought you might want to know that several EAA chapters are sponsoring Young Eagle rallies this summer, and you could be part of the activities. The schedule looks like this: (Rallies run about 9am to 4pm, you can do any part or all.)

  • May: Sat. 5/05/07, Kalamazoo Air Zoo
  • Sat. 5/12/07, Marshall
  • June: Sat. 6/02/07, Riverview
  • Sat. 6/23/07, Allegan
  • July: Sun. 7/15/07, Hastings
  • August: Sat, 8/25/07, Kalamazoo, Boy Scouts

Help is needed to either fly Young Eagles or work as part of the ground crew. If you, friends, or family would like to get in on any part of the fun, please contact:

Jim Butcher (EAA221 Young Eagle Coordinator)
eaa221ye@triton.net
269-375-5923

Dick Foster (EAA145 Young Eagle Coordinator)
rfoster@grcc.edu
616-358-8849

I hope you will enjoy flying young people as much as I do.

-Dick Foster

Friday, April 06, 2007

President’s Message (April 2007)

Hey everyone! Get all your taxes done so you can attend the EAA meeting April 8th. The program is still in limbo (I have been busy on my taxes) and do not have a speaker lined up at this time. Maybe John Gill can tell us how the skiing was in Colorado. But don't be discouraged....look how good the "two Pauls" extemporaneously took over and thoroughly entertained, educated, and bedazzled us with their presentations!

Looking ahead, as the sun sets later, perhaps we can start the evening/ meeting with every one getting a ride in Larry's fleet of airplanes. In the meantime, if you have anything you would like to share with the rest of us, come prepared and you can easily be "penciled in" on the agenda.

Be sure to come, and bring a friend, significant other, or, what the heck, even your wife. See ya, Vic

-Vic Johnston

March (2007) Meeting Minutes

The regular monthly meeting of EAA Chapter 704 was held on March 12,2007 at the Sparta Paul C Miller Airport pilot's lounge. There were about 20 members and guests present.

President Vic Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and opened the discussion with questions about the annual Pancake Breakfast Fly In held in conjunction with the Sparta Town and Country Days celebration. The date needs to be confirmed so announcements can be placed in Michigan Aviation publication.

Paul Zimmer showed some of the tail assemblies of his RV -7 project and discussed the building process he is going through. Other projects were mentioned including Torre Ro's Super Cub restoration.

Paul Spetosky spoke for a while about his time spent many years ago working on Rocket engines for the Titan 3C missiles. He stated he had developed an interest in these engines in the early phases of the "Space Age" and described some of the booster engines used as well as the rocket engines and their control systems. He apparently worked in this field for nearly a year before moving on to other interests.

Meeting adjourned for refreshments and hangar talk

Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704

Friday, March 09, 2007

President’s Message (March 2007)

Well, upon my return, I found that I left the care and well being of our chapter in very good hands!....but say, who did I leave in charge of the weather, anyway? Let's thank Paul Spetosky, Doc Dean, PJ (nevermindthelastname), and John Kozal for keeping the meeting "moving forward". I understand we had a real nice attendance.

If anyone has any items they would like to discuss, or have any hard core aircraft projects to show and tell, please let me know, and we will put you on the agenda. This month Paul will be speaking on some of the testing and research projects he was involved in while working at United Technologies on jet engines. I expect it to be a roaring-hot topic.

It will be good to see you all again, and Paul Swett said to say hello to everyone.

-Vic Johnston

February (2007) Meeting Minutes

EAA Chapter 704 held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 12, 2007 at the Sparta Paul C. Miller Airport pilot's lounge.

Vice President Paul Spetosky called the meeting to order in the absence of President Vic Johnston. There were about 30 members and guests present.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter. The treasurer reported $1621.32 in the check book.

Spetosky read a letter from Vic Johnston addressing some of the issues surrounding a situation that had arisen between one of our members and the owner of a business entity on the field. The details of the issue have been made known amongst the local pilots and do not need to be a part of published records of Chapter 704. Some feelings have been expressed and a desire to resolve the differences was apparent. Several courses of action were proposed but none were pursued with the parties feeling it best to let everything quiet down of its own volition.

Vice President Spetosky handed out several awards given to last year’s officers in appreciation for their service to EAA and Chapter 704 during 2006.

John Gill described the problems he had in installing the sliding canopy on his RV-9. Apparently attaching the sliding rail presented a problem of gaining access to areas in tight surroundings. He showed a special wrench he had designed with a 90 deg angle to facilitate this process.

Glenn Hart agreed to become the Chapter 704 representative to the newly formed Boy Scout troop created under the sponsorship of our chapter. The new Boy Scout troop will carry the same number as our chapter --Troop #704 and will be headed by EAA 704 member, John Kozal. Member Hart's responsibilities will amount to attending some of the troop leadership meetings and relaying information between the two groups.

John Kozal had attended the Light Sport Aviation (LSA) meeting in Sebring, Florida and brought back lots of information concerning LSA which he shared with the group.

Paul Zimmer and Paul Kovalak have both purchased RV-7 kits. Zimmer announced he had done considerable work on the tail assemblies. Kovalak had not actually begun building but was inventorying the kit carefully in anticipation.

Spetosky suggested we give thought to having an American flag in the pilot's lounge saying that some other chapters begin their meeting with the pledge of allegiance to the flag. No action was taken but the idea was received with favor.

There was a discussion prompted by one of the members concerning the reasons why several airplanes have recently gone off the runway while taxiing or on roll out. Were the reasons related to the readjustment of the newly constructed runway direction by 10 degrees? Are the cross winds attacking us slightly different than what we are used to begging more attention given to our crosswind landing techniques? Some factors may involve the fact that the sod off the edge is not yet firmly developed leaving a soft and often uneven surface should we inadvertently exit the runway. One pilot said his airplane did feel a little "squirrelly" at one place on the runway. Caution is advised.

Meeting adjourned

Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704

Thursday, February 08, 2007

President’s Message (February 2007)

A big howdy to all you 704er's up in balmy and sunny Mich., Gee, why am I torturing myself here in Fla. where the temps soar (aviation term) way up to 76F, and sometimes dive (another aviation term) clear down to 71F.

When you get to the meeting on the 11th, you might look around for a moment and notice that I am not there. In my absence, the gavel will be put in the hands of Paul Spetosky. He will read a summary of the actions taken regarding the issues discussed at the last meeting, and the results of those various actions.

Also, for those of you who were not in attendance last month, we voted to be a sponsor / mentor to a newly formed Boy Scout troop under the leadership of John Kozal. We will need to select a representative as an intermediary to attend an occasional meeting with the Boy Scout leaders (adult) and report back regarding their planned activities and goals.

John Kozal attended the LSA convention in Sebring, Fla. and will make a presentation of his discoveries and adventures at our Feb. meeting.

So, until I see you in March, keep shoveling. I'll say howdy to Paul Swett from all of you.


Vic Johnston

January (2007) Meeting Minutes

EAA Chapter 704 held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, January 8, 2007 at the Sparta Paul C. Miller Airport pilot's lounge.

The meeting was called to order by newly elected president, Victor Johnston and outgoing president John Gill made an official passing of the gavel although he couldn't locate the gavel at the moment.

There were nearly 30 members and guests present.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter. The treasurer, Jay Dean, reported there was $1425.32 in the checkbook.

President Johnston asked for project reports and several commented on their progress or lack of it.

There followed a general discussion of items concerning the chapter with nothing requiring any formal action

John Kozal, representing the Boy Scouts of America, presented a proposal regarding the starting of a new Boy Scout troop. He stated they all ready have the required number of participants and leadership personnel but was in need of a sponsor. This is a follow up of a similar presentation a month ago by Dennis Byrne

Tom Mills, Scout District Executive, spoke more particularly of the expectations from and involvements of such a sponsor.

Following the presentations the chapter seemed very much in favor of this idea and a motion by John Gill (seconded by Dan Bauman) was made that chapter 704 assume the responsibilities of being a sponsor to the new troop.

John Kozal commented later that they had selected the number 704 as the number of their new group in keeping with the EAA number of their sponsor.

EAA Chapter 704 now has to select a representative from its membership to attend the monthly meetings of the troop's adult leadership committee. This should be accomplished by the next chapter meeting.

Darrell Yeager showed the gas tank he had welded up for his Sonorai project which is very near completion. He described several aspects of the project telling how he is able to fold the wings and store it in his basement. He said it took him about 20 minutes to attach the wings although he admitted that someone else might do it quicker.

John Kozal announced he was soon going to Sebring near Orlando Florida to attend the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) show.

Meeting adjourned

Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704

Introducing a new EAA Member Benefit...

The following information has been provided by the EAA to be shared with fellow Chapter members regarding an EAA Member Benefit.

Introducing a new EAA Member Benefit launched this year-the EAA Finance Program (administered by AirFleet Capital, Inc.)

The EAA Finance Program was unveiled at Sun-N-Fun and EAA AirVenture Oshkosh during 2006. AirFleet Capital staff was on hand to meet and greet pilots in EAA's Member Village at both events, answering questions and providing information to members. The staff from AirFleet Capital also attended the 2006 NBAA convention in Orlando, Florida, assisting EAA in reaching out to the business aircraft market.

The EAA Finance Program provides a wide array of programs to meet the needs of our members. It's currently able to finance experimental aircraft (kit & airworthy), light-sport aircraft, piston, helicopter, and jet aircraft. With their extensive knowledge, passion, and experience in general aviation, EAA and AirFleet Capital have created a program that offers a variety of options that are constantly changing to meet the needs of members. This was evidenced by a new program launched by the EAA Finance Program that allows for financing of progress payments for the new very light jets (VLJ's) which have recently been certified. There are many pilots looking to purchase an aircraft in this new class, but who have to make payments as the aircraft progresses in its manufacturing process. The EAA Finance Program is able to help those who are in a position to order their VLJ with the progress payments.

The EAA Finance Program has also been aggressively supporting the special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) market. As this new class has developed, EAA and AirFleet Capital have been right there, rolling up their sleeves, obtaining information and research on the various aircraft, and producing financing options for these aircraft to fit the needs of the sport pilot. As the light-sport aircraft industry continues to develop and change the face of recreational aviation, the EAA Finance Program will continue to review the aircraft entering the market in order to support those aircraft that have been accepted and certified by the FAA. This is all part of EAA's mission to make aviation more attainable and affordable to its current and future members.

To obtain more information on the programs offered by the EAA Finance Program, give them a call at 866-808-6040 and a representative will be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo Trip (2007)


Hello EAA 704!

John Kozal (past president of EAA 704) is writing to EAA 704 to see if anyone is interested in joining me in going to the Light Sport Aircraft Show in Sebring, Florida January 2007? My goals are to:

1) Review the costs and performances of planes built under the Light Sport Aircraft standards.
2) Take demonstration rides of planes that pick my interest.
3) Bring back information to EAA 704 and do a presentation at a future meeting.
4) Try to find interested partners to form an Airplane Club to buy a LSA
ready-to-fly airplane.

I would really appreciate it if something can be written in the next newsletter concerning the LSA show. Thank you.

John Kozal
887-8137

President’s Message (January 2007)


Attention all chapter members:

Happy New Year, fellow aeroplane drivers, fixers, builders, and enthusiastic "wannabes" (like me).

"Out with the old and in with the new" is usually regarded as an optimistic cliche .....but in this case, out with our old (in more ways thanone) chapter president, John Gill, we suffer a great setback. Didn't he do a marvelous job? And of course, if we did adhere to that ol' saying, we would lose most of our membership! I think we all have to agree that the "ol' timers" are the backbone of our local organization. So at the next meeting, seek out an ol' codger and shake his hand and thank him for his contributions.

However, there are some NEW's we can look forward to and appreciate this year. Notice the new runway, PAPI, wind cone, REILs (both ends), and L-M-HIRLs?....we have a new manager that Kathy and the rest of us can abuse.....Dick has done a great job at cleaning up my mess and has given a new, more open look to the lounge. Also we can appreciate the enlistment of a few new 704 members this past year. I think diversity in membership freshens discussions and adds new ideas. So I encourage/challenge each member to recruit ONE person this year, whether friend, relative, wife, or someone you dragged off the street. How about a few more lady members?

Now, to retain our membership, it helps to have fine programs as we have had in the past, such as the last one presented by Larry "Buford" Bauer. So again, we need help from the membership in this regard, as I do not have as large of resource of contacts as John, so I would appreciate any suggestions you have, or projects to share.

Looking forward to a great 2007, Vic Johnston

December (2006) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes December 11, 2006

EAA Chapter 704 held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, December 11, 2006 at the Sparta Paul C. Miller Airport pilot's lounge.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by President John Gill and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter.

Dennis Byrne, a guest, spoke on behalf of a group of boys who would like to form a new Boy Scout Troup looking for a sponsor. Dennis described a bit of the responsibilities of a sponsor and asked the chapter to consider taking on this task. There was a general consensus of willingness within the group but the decision was made to take it under advisement until we can check with EAA headquarters to see if this sort of thing is approved by them. A decision will be made at the next meeting.

Dennis was quite fascinated by the chapter and EAA in general and has decided to join our group.

President Gill presented awards to the staff of 2006 who had served in various capacities during the past year.

President Gill also advised us that a new updated roster would be in the making soon and asked the members to be sure we had all their information? EAA numbers etc.

Paul Zimmer announced that he and Paul Kovalak are both purchasing RV7 kits and will be starting to build very soon.

Larry Bauer showed the group a number of aircraft parts he is manufacturing and selling for use on experimental aircraft. He is building a somewhat modified PA17 and showed the firewall he had built for it. He also showed brake assembly he makes as well as a rudder for floats, a nose wheel for floats that pretty well eliminates shimmy on the roll out, some tail wheel springs a gas gauge and a master cylinder for brakes. There was also a carbheat box in his collection, His son, Ben, works with him and does a real fine job of welding on these carbheat boxes.

Larry is very innovative and is able to create and build doggone near anything you want for you experimental project.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm

Jay T. Dean Sec pro tem