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.