How Do You Want Your Newsletter Delivered? You Decide...

As we start the 2005 year rolling along, we would like to take this opportunity to ask you how you would like your monthly "Low Approach 704" newsletter delivered. With our chapter adapting to the "electronic age", we now have 3 options that you can choose from:

1. US Mail, we’ll mail you the printed version the same way you’ve always gotten it.

2. e-Mail, a ".pdf" file (Adobe PDF Acrobat file) containing the newsletter that will look exactly as the printed version (you can print it yourself or look at it on the screen)

3. Website, all of the information from the newsletter will be posted on the new EAA 704 website/weblog: eaa.blogspot.com

If you would like to remain on the standard mailing list, you need not do anything, the printed newsletter will continue to be sent to your home.

If you would like option 2 or 3, please send an email to: eaa704@gmail.com (don’t forget to include your name) and let us know which option you prefer.

The 2005 EAA Chapter 704 Calendars

The 2005 EAA Chapter 704 Calendars have arrived and are available for purchase.

Stop by the airport lounge and pick one up today (See Vic, Brita, or Chris).

They are priced at $10 each or 3 for $27.

A Message From Our Chapter President, Ron Fritz

I hope this first Chapter 704 newsletter finds you all comfortably through the holiday season and looking forward to the rest of 2005. As your new chapter president I look forward to this coming year and its many challenges.

First, I want to thank the 2004 officers for their efforts to keep the chapter going for another year. The new officers have pledged to take up where the old left off and try to manage the chapter for another successful year. The front page of the newsletter lists the new officers, with one change. Our elected treasurer, Sue Folkringa, has taken a position in Florida and will be leaving Michigan in January. We are sorry to see her leave but wish her the best in her new position in Florida. Jay Dean will take over the job of treasurer in her place.

Your officers met at the Sparta Airport lounge for a pre-meeting meeting on Sunday, January 2nd to set down some ideas for the coming year and try to come up with ideas for chapter activities. We will be doing the same for each upcoming meeting. We will be holding meetings each month, a change from previous years when we cancelled meetings for January and February.

At the before mentioned pre-meeting meeting we did make tentative plans for a chapter banquet for February. At the time of this writing we can’t set down many details as we haven’t reserved a restaurant and meal yet. That will be done by the time of the upcoming January meeting and I hope you can all come to give us some idea what to expect for attendance. The tentative date has been set as Friday, February 18th and our restaurant of first choice is The Swan Inn on Alpine. This will give us two meetings and two newsletters to finalize all details. Watch for this one.

Our newsletter editor, P. J. Bevelacqua, has some wonderful plans for the future newsletters, which he will outline in his newsletter and at the meetings. One will be an on-line newsletter. This will be good.

So much for now, see you at the next meeting.

December Meeting Minutes - EAA Chapter 704 Meeting

December 13th, 2004 7:00 p.m.

Snacks and pizza were consumed prior to the meeting, which was called to order by P.J. Bevelacqua, the only officer present.

Vic Johnson filled us in on the new MDOT programs that would be available in 2005.

The annual election of officers was held. Ron Fritz is our new president, Kathy Hakeem is vice-president, and continues as Young Eagles manager. Sue Folkringa remains treasurer, and Jay Dean is our new secretary. Dan Bauman continues as technical advisor, and P.J. Bevelacqua will continue to handle newsletters, future Web site, and anything else we can stick him with.

We voted to continue having meetings in January and February, and discussed having a banquet at a restaurant or banquet facility. Ron Fritz will check out details, and we will make a decision at the January meeting.

There will be a meeting of the new officers at Sparta Airport, Sunday January 2nd.

We discussed the relative merits of adopting a project (acquiring an airplane or kit to rebuild/build), and of confining our meetings to presentations instead. The matter was tabled for future discussion.

The new officers’ paperwork was gotten out of the way, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Submitted by Doug Lugthart,
filling in for Secretary Sue Folkringa.
December 16th, 2004

THANK YOU!

On January 2nd, the following message was sent out by one of our members (and former chapter president), Tom Kozura, to all of the students that have used the services of Koz Aero over the past 3 years. I would like to share Tom’s message (below) with all of you and also I would like to thank Tom on behalf of all of us in the EAA Chapter 704 and others around the Sparta Airport.

Thank you Tom, for all that you have done for us and your involvement in helping our Airport grow over the past few years. Your dedication to the students, our chapter and the airport has not gone unoticed. We wish you the best in the return to your flying career and hope to see you when you are not busy flying the "heavies".

-P.J. Bevelacqua, EAA 704 Newsletter/Website

Dear Friends, (January 2, 2005)

It has been really fun these past 3 years here at Sparta. As some of you know, I began instructing here when I was furloughed from Northwest Airlines and in March, I'll be heading back to fly the NWA heavies again.

The School will remain unchanged as Brita will be the new Chief pilot and I will continue to do Tail Wheel on my days off. You will probably see some new planes and faces here this Spring but it will still be the same little flight school you have always known. We have grown to over 200 students and pilots and 26 of you have purchased your own planes. I am proud of each one of your accomplishments from solo to license and it is great to see new pilots at the airport or hear you on the radio and know that we have flown together. It has been my pleasure to fly with all of you these past few years. I hope I have helped you in learning to fly. You have certainly made me a better pilot.

Emerson once said; "To laugh often and to love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of ones self; to leave the world a bit better; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived- this is to have Succeeded"

I believe this School has been a great success and I owe this to you!

Stay in touch!

Thanks everyone!

Keep the greasy side down!

Sincerely,Koz (Tom Kozura)

Congratulations, Goodbye, and Farewell...

On January 1st, New Years Day, our 2004 Secretary/Treasurer Sue Folkringa, passed her IFR Checkride and Oral Exam. She became the first pilot from our airport to get and IFR ticket in 2005.

On January 2nd, the chapter officers had a meeting and Sue announced that she will be leaving our airport and our chapter. Sue got a job offer and is moving to Florida in a week or two.

Sue, on behalf of the chapter and the aiport, we would like say "Congratulations" on becoming an IFR pilot and would like to wish you the best of luck as you and Doug head south. Thank you for your participation and involvement in our chapter, you will be missed.

-P.J. BevelacquaEAA 704 Newsletter/Website

Low Approach January 2005 Newsletter Links From EAA

YOUNG EAGLES VOLUNTEERS ALLOWED CERTAIN TAX DEDUCTIONS
http://www.eaa.org/youngeagles/tax_deductions.html

Next Meeting

by PJ Bevelacqua, Newsletter Editor

Happy Holidays everyone! Our next meeting (Monday December 13th) is a very important one. Yes it’s that time again, time to elect new (or re-elect) officers for EAA Chapter 704. We’re hoping to get a great turnout of members so that everyone has a chance to volunteer for a position.

So, in an effort to get a large member turnout, our meeting will be sort of like a "Christmas Party" too. Pizza, snacks, & refreshments will be provided.

We will also be voting to see if we will be meeting in January and February, or if we will keep the schedule as it has been (March - December).

Last, but not least, we will be looking over the final draft of the 2005 EAA Chapter 704 Calendar. There is still a chance to ge your picture in the calendar, as we currently have some airplanes (different pics) that were in the previous calendar. (All photos will be carefully scanned and returned.) PLEASE BRING YOUR PHOTOS!!!

Winter Operations

At our November meeting, Mark Linsley, from School of Missionary Aviation at Lowell Airport did a safety presentation on winter operations. The following topics were addressed:
Pre-flight and mechanical issues:
Snow removal - critical for those planes that are left outside. Pay attention to those areas, such as the crevices between the wing and control surfaces.

Blowing snow in the tail section; thawing/freezing can add weight to the tail that will throw off the weight and balance.

Pressure can blow off the oil filler cap if the crank-case breather tube gets frozen. You could experience oil spraying on the windscreen - check the oil pressure - if it's still good, it means the breather tube is plugged, not a major engine disaster. Do not panic! Have holes drilled higher on the tube. Check this on your airplane to see if you have these holes.

Flaps - 40 degrees during the pre-flight may use up battery power that you need later. You can check everything you need to check with 10 degrees of flaps lowered.

Take-off in the snow - plan on the brakes getting frozen, especially if you're doing off-field work. Fixed gear and retractable are subject to this, especially when you are taxiing through slush. Be careful bringing up the wheels if they are snow covered - you could burn out your gear motor. Air will freeze the liquid on wheels and brakes during flight.

Pre-heat the engine - pan heaters work well. Remember low-temperature, high-volume of air if you are using a heater/blower. If you leave heat on the engine, Mark suggested pulling out the dipstick, wrap a towel around it and set it back in to avoid condensation on the dipstick which can drip into the engine.

Cover the cowel and cover the propeller - the prop acts like a radiator. If you're going to a remote area, remove the oil, keep it warm overnight and re-fill in the morning.

Landing off field:
Field evaluation may be approximated but how long is the field? Time the field. Fly over at 500' AGL, make sure there are no obstacles. 68 knots = 100 feet per second. Make a first pass. Second pass 200' AGL - you will be able to see more detail (drifts, snow conditions, buried objects). Fly a second pass and time it again. By the third pass, have no intention to land; drag the skies, carry power and go. Pass over again (fourth pass) to inspect the tracks you made - are they filling up with water for example? Take good look before committing on the fifth pass.
Slow the airplane down after landing since the skis heat up and accumulate ice.

Survival gear - how could you haul all of the stuff that is suggested in the Airplane Flying Handbook? Bring a compass - it's not on the list, but at least it will help you with direction. Tom suggested brining along a small mirror which can be used for ground to air communication as well as starting a fire.

Your EAA Membership Benefits: What They Are and How They’ve Changed

We’re often asked "what are the benefits of belonging to EAA?" The answer can be a long one depending on what that individual’s interests are as EAA has a vast offering of benefits and services. And they are evolving and improving all the time. But let’s just start with the basics and explore what’s new in a $40 EAA membership.

Every member receives his/her choice of a monthly magazine. EAA SPORT AVIATION is the flagship monthly publication for members interested in the broad scope of recreational aviation with editorial geared to the flying, buying, building, restoring and maintaining of all types of aircraft. We are currently in the process of expanding our coverage of production aircraft news and hands-on topics. EAA SPORT PILOT & LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT magazine is new just this year and its editorial is aimed at those who’ll fly the newest special light-sport aircraft, including fixed wings, trikes, powered parachutes, gyrocopters, gliders, and Part 103 ultralights. Your membership includes a choice of either membership or you can add on the additional magazine.

EAA member benefits at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh each year have also increased. Now members not only have greatly reduced admission fees, but you’ll receive discounts on specially priced meals from several food vendors, have access to the members-only internet café, and enjoy member events in the new EAA Member Village near AeroShell Square. And the list will be sure to evolve over the next few months as we set plans for the 2005 event happening July 25-31. Watch this space for more details on "The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration."

EAA’s Insurance Program has expanded with the addition of insurance for students and renters. This non-owner insurance plan is Sport Pilot-ready. In addition EAA, and Falcon Insurance have developed an outstanding insurance plan for all types of aircraft including expanded coverage, service and great pricing for members. Call today for a free quote at 866-647-4322 or visit www.eaa.org. EAA membership also includes preferred rates on other lines of personal insurance.

With the new Sport Pilot movement, EAA’s technical team is the leader in helping all aviators understand what the new ruling means and how it helps reduce the traditional time and cost barriers associated with training and aircraft ownership. We have a special brochure series that answers many of the questions members have on this topic. If you’d like to receive this information or have a question on Sport Pilot, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit the website at www.sportpilot.org.

Another new benefit of EAA membership this year is unlimited admission to the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh. That’s right all members can visit the museum as often as they like-- at no additional charge.

The EAA membership umbrella includes the wonderful ability to join a local chapter and participate in all of its activities. Plus, EAA members also have the opportunity to join one or all of EAA’s affiliate organizations: EAA Warbirds of America, EAA’s Vintage Aircraft Association, and the International Aerobatic Club division of EAA. Plus, an affiliate of EAA is the National Association of Flight Instructors. The EAA Homebuilt Aircraft Council reaffirms EAA’s commitment to its homebuilding roots. There’s something for everyone!

With the EAA Flight Planner, EAA members can easily plan a VFR flight, view a route on current maps (including Sectional, WACs and other) check NOTAMs and weather, file with DUATs and many other functions. This $50 value is free for EAA members, just check out the website at www.eaa.org for more information.

For individual services, EAA provides a wealth of educational and technical benefits. Access to pilot programs such as EAA Technical Counselors, Flight Advisors, Aeromedical Advisors, and Aviation Information Services representatives are ready to answer your aviation questions at 888/322-4636. EAA’s education opportunities include SportAir workshops held around the country – the perfect place to learn about aircraft building and restoration. Call 800/967-5746 for all the details.

Working with kids via the EAA Young Eagles program gives the next generation of aviation enthusiasts the chance to take to the sky. EAA members provide an introductory flight experience for kids aged 8-17 – members have flown more than 1,100,000 Young Eagles since the program’s inception. Call 877/806-8902 for more information. EAA’s Air Academy aviation camps provide a resident camp at Oshkosh headquarters for youth who are aged 12-18 interested in aviation. Reach the Air Academy at 888/322-3229.

Finally, the discounts! Great deals and discounts for EAA members abound: you can save on everything from member discounts on Ford vehicles, John Deere equipment, Hertz car rentals, travel services, and even a preferred rate on the EAA VISA® credit card.

For more information on any of your EAA membership benefits we’re at your assistance on-line at www.eaa.org or in person at 800/JOIN EAA (800/564-6322.)

Welcome

Welcome to the EAA Chapter 704 Weblog