On July 16th 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, July 07, 2005
Sparta Area Pilots Association BBQ
On July 16th 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...
Dawn Patrol Pancake Breakfast
On July 17th from 7:30am til 11:30am in conjunction with Sparta Town & Country Days with tractor pulls, lawn mower races & radio control airplanes airshows during festival days.Cost: Adult $5.00 Child $2.50
Sponsored by EAA 704 & Sparta Lions Club. Call 616-887-5744.
A Message From Our Chapter President, Ron Fritz (July '05)
It looks like the June meeting was well received and it was nice to see our group welcome our guests to our meeting. A warm thank you goes out to our guests, Scott DeGaynor from Chapter 211 and Bill Willyard from Chapter 145. Their presentations on the Bede 4 and Kitfox were very well done and it gave our members the chance to see a nice perspective on the merits of both planes.The program for the July meeting is still up in the air as of the time of this writing. I am hoping to have an old friend and fellow modeler at the meeting to talk about building old-time ignition model airplane engines and flying the older models. If this program comes off, there will also be a running of several old and rare engines on the deck at the airport. If this program doesn’t work out, there will be another surprise in store for you.
I was very fortunate to visit the new Udvar-Hazy addition to the National Air & Space Museum at Dulles Airport (pictured above), outside Washington, D.C. on June 24th. This is a very new facility and it contains some very interesting and historic airplanes. One plane that I have always wanted to see is the Enola Gay (pictured below), the B-29 that dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan in August 1945. It is well displayed in such a way as to view the cockpit very close-up. If I’ve read my SPORT AVIATION correctly, General Paul Tibbets, the pilot on that mission will be speaking at Oshkosh this year.
Our chapter will be involved with the Sparta Days event again this year. We will be joining with the Sparta Lions Club to put on the pancake breakfast at the airport on Sunday, July 17th. Keep that date in mind and do your best to help put this event on. We generally make enough money off this activity to run the chapter for the year. We’ll be talking about this at the meeting.See you all at the meeting.
June (2005) Meeting Minutes
EAA Chapter 704 met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 13 at the Sparta Paul C Miller Airport's pilot lounge. There were 22 members present.
President Ron Fritz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and announced that after the business meeting there would be a program involving Scott DeGayner and Bill Willyard from EAA Chapter 211 discussing their respective airplanes.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter and the treasurer announced there was $1,744.57 in the checkbook with $50.00 cash on hand.
President Fritz announced the death of Curtis Pitts, renowned aircraft designer and aviation enthusiast. As a credit to his legacy there are and will continue to be a number of very fine airplanes built from plans he produced.
Fritz commented on the approach procedures for Oshkosh for those planning on flying in for the convention.
The 704ILion's Club Pancake breakfast will be held on July 17 with more discussion on this at our next meeting.
Paul Kovalak commented on the Sparta Pilot's Association saying there were several events in the planning stage. Any upcoming meetings will be announced to the members through E-mail and/or telephone.
Ron Fritz introduced Scott DeGayner and Bill Willyard from EAA 211. He said they represented the "Fast" and the "Slow" of home built aircraft.
Scott flew in with his beautifully built BD-4 and described the building process along with any modifications he created as he went along. He has a very nice performing airplane that cruises around 200 mph. Scott is likely the most knowledgeable person in this area on this particular design.
Bill Willyard had arrived in his Kitfox which, as he pointed out, had evolved out of the Avid Flyer. He cruises along at about 85 to 90 mph behind a Rotex 912 engine. He also discussed the building and modifications he went through to produce a very fine "Fox".
After the presentations were completed the group ventured onto the ramp to inspect both these excellent examples of homebuilding skills.
Meeting adjourned
Jay Dean, Secretary/Treasurer
President Ron Fritz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and announced that after the business meeting there would be a program involving Scott DeGayner and Bill Willyard from EAA Chapter 211 discussing their respective airplanes.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved as printed in the newsletter and the treasurer announced there was $1,744.57 in the checkbook with $50.00 cash on hand.
President Fritz announced the death of Curtis Pitts, renowned aircraft designer and aviation enthusiast. As a credit to his legacy there are and will continue to be a number of very fine airplanes built from plans he produced.
Fritz commented on the approach procedures for Oshkosh for those planning on flying in for the convention.
The 704ILion's Club Pancake breakfast will be held on July 17 with more discussion on this at our next meeting.
Paul Kovalak commented on the Sparta Pilot's Association saying there were several events in the planning stage. Any upcoming meetings will be announced to the members through E-mail and/or telephone.
Ron Fritz introduced Scott DeGayner and Bill Willyard from EAA 211. He said they represented the "Fast" and the "Slow" of home built aircraft.
Scott flew in with his beautifully built BD-4 and described the building process along with any modifications he created as he went along. He has a very nice performing airplane that cruises around 200 mph. Scott is likely the most knowledgeable person in this area on this particular design.
Bill Willyard had arrived in his Kitfox which, as he pointed out, had evolved out of the Avid Flyer. He cruises along at about 85 to 90 mph behind a Rotex 912 engine. He also discussed the building and modifications he went through to produce a very fine "Fox".
After the presentations were completed the group ventured onto the ramp to inspect both these excellent examples of homebuilding skills.
Meeting adjourned
Jay Dean, Secretary/Treasurer
Thursday, June 09, 2005
A Message From Our Chapter President, Ron Fritz (June '05)
Here we are, almost halfway through the year. I hope most of you have at least started those projects that you waited, through the cold weather, to get started. Before you know it, the colder fall days will be here and you will have to go full speed ahead to finish them before the winter snows fall. Ah, such is life.With the later sunsets our days are adjusted to take advantage of the extra daylight each day. The same pretty much occurs with chapter meetings. It’s more fun to sit on the deck at the Sparta airport and relate stories rather than get the chapter meeting started. I think we will be doing that for a couple months. My choice for a meeting program this month fell through at the last minute and I’ve been unable to replace it at the time of this newsletter writing. I have an idea but haven’t worked on it yet. I guess you will all have to wait and see what has come about.
Our chapter has obligated itself to take part in the Sparta Days festivities and we will again be assisting the Lions Club in the annual pancake breakfast on July 17th. Keep that date in mind and do your best to help us out on that day. We do benefit financially and the money earned pretty much runs the chapter for the year. We’ll be talking about this at the June meeting and will have to have most of our plans finalized by the July meeting.
In case you haven’t experienced it, the Sparta airport lounge is a pretty active place during good flying weather. There is usually a good gang of airport “bums” present and there is a good bit of great camaraderie going on. Drop in and join in on the fun.
See you at the meeting...
May (2005) Meeting Minutes
EAA chapter 704 met at 7:00 p.m. on 5/9/05 for a regular meeting. The meeting was held at the Sparta Paul Miller Airport lounge. There were 25 members present.
President Ron Fritz called the meeting to order and reviewed the minutes of the last meeting as printed in the newsletter. He announced that we now have 35 paid members in the chapter.
There was $1725.57 in the checkbook along with $50.00 cash on hand. $40.00 was collected for dues and calendar sales. (Later $10.00 was added from the 50/50 raffle)
President Fritz asked for an update on the newly formed Sparta Pilot’s Association. Kathy Hakeem reported that there had been no meetings recently but they were in the process of polling neighboring airports to get a sense of what the relationship might be between airport management and the pilots at their locations.
A discussion followed about various projects in progress amongst the members.
P.J. Bevelacqua collected for a 50/50 raffle, which was won by Homer Teitsma.
After a brief break for snacks the group reconvened to hear Mr. Harvey Alley give a very interesting description of the early development of airmail service in West Virginia and Pennsylvania area. He told of how a dentist, Lydell Adams, from Chicago devised a method of picking up and dropping mail sacks from a moving, low flying, airplane. First they used a drag cable with a grappling hook on the end and later developed a boom arrangement. This was being done in the mid 1930’s and actually accomplished a surprising number of pickups and drops with very few mishaps. The service was called All American Aviation, which later became U.S. Air as we know it today.
Mr. Alley, who in times past had developed several slide programs involving a 3-screen presentation, offered to return in the future with other discussions for our interest.
Meeting adjourned
Jay Dean, Secretary/Treasurer
President Ron Fritz called the meeting to order and reviewed the minutes of the last meeting as printed in the newsletter. He announced that we now have 35 paid members in the chapter.
There was $1725.57 in the checkbook along with $50.00 cash on hand. $40.00 was collected for dues and calendar sales. (Later $10.00 was added from the 50/50 raffle)
President Fritz asked for an update on the newly formed Sparta Pilot’s Association. Kathy Hakeem reported that there had been no meetings recently but they were in the process of polling neighboring airports to get a sense of what the relationship might be between airport management and the pilots at their locations.
A discussion followed about various projects in progress amongst the members.
P.J. Bevelacqua collected for a 50/50 raffle, which was won by Homer Teitsma.
After a brief break for snacks the group reconvened to hear Mr. Harvey Alley give a very interesting description of the early development of airmail service in West Virginia and Pennsylvania area. He told of how a dentist, Lydell Adams, from Chicago devised a method of picking up and dropping mail sacks from a moving, low flying, airplane. First they used a drag cable with a grappling hook on the end and later developed a boom arrangement. This was being done in the mid 1930’s and actually accomplished a surprising number of pickups and drops with very few mishaps. The service was called All American Aviation, which later became U.S. Air as we know it today.
Mr. Alley, who in times past had developed several slide programs involving a 3-screen presentation, offered to return in the future with other discussions for our interest.
Meeting adjourned
Jay Dean, Secretary/Treasurer
DATES TO REMEMBER
JULY, 17
Sparta - Paul C. Miller Airport (8D4) 7:30 - 11:30 am
Dawn Patrol Pancake Breakfast in conjunction with Sparta Town & Country Days with tractor pulls, lawn mower races & radio control airplanes airshows during festival days.
Sponsored by EAA 704 & Sparta Lions Club.
Call 616-887-5744.
July 25 - 31
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2005!
Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, WI
Sparta - Paul C. Miller Airport (8D4) 7:30 - 11:30 am
Dawn Patrol Pancake Breakfast in conjunction with Sparta Town & Country Days with tractor pulls, lawn mower races & radio control airplanes airshows during festival days.
Sponsored by EAA 704 & Sparta Lions Club.
Call 616-887-5744.
July 25 - 31
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2005!
Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, WI
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
A Message From Our Chapter President, Ron Fritz (May '05)
Now that spring is finally here many of us can dust off the flying machine and go about defying the laws of gravity. I might even dig around in my hangar to see if the Mooney is still there.I spent the past Friday (April 29th) at Oshkosh and the Vintage Airplane Association Board of Directors meeting. These meetings are always a lot of fun as I get to rekindle friendships with many of my old friends and, also, learn of the happenings around VAA and EAA. I can assure you there is a lot going on behind the scenes that most members don't know about. In short, they are really looking out for all of you. You can all be thankful for that.
With the warmer weather and daylight saving time, we will be able to spend some of our meeting nights outside. It might be a good time to invite EAA guests to the meetings, to show off their flying machines. If any of you know of someone who has an interesting antique, classic or experimental airplane, invite them to join us. It is always an incentive to see what someone else has done which generally gives us the confidence to go forward with our project(s).
See you all at the May meeting...
April Meeting Minutes
The regular meeting of EAA Chapter 704 was held at 7:00 pm on Monday April 11, 2005 at the Sparta Paul C. Miller Airport.
The March minutes were read and approved. The treasurer reported $1697.57 in the check book with $50.00 cash on hand and $40.00 received in dues and calendar sales before the meeting was called to order.
President Fritz brought several items to the floor for discussion. He commented on the work week-end projects held at Oshkosh. Those interested could fill out applications with several week-ends to choose from.
President Fritz also commented on the Pancake Breakfast held at the airport in conjunction with Sparta Community Days. We work along side the Sparta Lions Club and share the profits.
The subject of the Sparta Pilot’s Association also came up for comment. President Fritz noted that the EAA Chapter 704, as an organization, would not be associated with the SPA but individual members of the chapter are free to join and show support for the concerns brought forth by the SPA.
Paul Kovalak, newly elected president of the Sparta Pilot’s Association (SPA) said there had been two meetings so far with about 50 pilots showing interest. The SPA has established a mission statement and a plan of action. He pointed out that there are several airport rules changes being suggested by certain parties that the SPA will oppose inasmuch as they appear detrimental to general aviation as practiced at Sparta Miller Airport. One of the major issues is the freedom of the pilots to perform FAA approved maintenance on their own aircraft on the field. There were other issues as well. The SPA is in the process of polling surrounding airports to establish ways of comparing Sparta with other airports. Some group discussion ensued.
Jim Reeds discussed his Zenith project and showed one of the construction manuals. Several others described their projects.
Dar Nederveld gave a humorous account of his experience of getting his airplane painted by a fellow in Arkansas. The whole episode, from initial contact through the trip down and back, made for quite a story.
P.J. Bevelacqua held a 50/50 raffle which was won by Dar Nederveld -perhaps rightly so in recompense for his delightful Arkansas adventure story.
Ron Fritz showed a number of slides following the history of civil and military aviation from its infancy through more modem times. As usual, Ron puts on a very good show with excellent slides and informative as well as very interesting commentary.
Meeting adjourned: Jay Dean, Sec/Treas EAA 704
The March minutes were read and approved. The treasurer reported $1697.57 in the check book with $50.00 cash on hand and $40.00 received in dues and calendar sales before the meeting was called to order.
President Fritz brought several items to the floor for discussion. He commented on the work week-end projects held at Oshkosh. Those interested could fill out applications with several week-ends to choose from.
President Fritz also commented on the Pancake Breakfast held at the airport in conjunction with Sparta Community Days. We work along side the Sparta Lions Club and share the profits.
The subject of the Sparta Pilot’s Association also came up for comment. President Fritz noted that the EAA Chapter 704, as an organization, would not be associated with the SPA but individual members of the chapter are free to join and show support for the concerns brought forth by the SPA.
Paul Kovalak, newly elected president of the Sparta Pilot’s Association (SPA) said there had been two meetings so far with about 50 pilots showing interest. The SPA has established a mission statement and a plan of action. He pointed out that there are several airport rules changes being suggested by certain parties that the SPA will oppose inasmuch as they appear detrimental to general aviation as practiced at Sparta Miller Airport. One of the major issues is the freedom of the pilots to perform FAA approved maintenance on their own aircraft on the field. There were other issues as well. The SPA is in the process of polling surrounding airports to establish ways of comparing Sparta with other airports. Some group discussion ensued.
Jim Reeds discussed his Zenith project and showed one of the construction manuals. Several others described their projects.
Dar Nederveld gave a humorous account of his experience of getting his airplane painted by a fellow in Arkansas. The whole episode, from initial contact through the trip down and back, made for quite a story.
P.J. Bevelacqua held a 50/50 raffle which was won by Dar Nederveld -perhaps rightly so in recompense for his delightful Arkansas adventure story.
Ron Fritz showed a number of slides following the history of civil and military aviation from its infancy through more modem times. As usual, Ron puts on a very good show with excellent slides and informative as well as very interesting commentary.
Meeting adjourned: Jay Dean, Sec/Treas EAA 704
2005 Michigan Aeronautical Chart Errata Update
For the latest info check out the MDOT Aeronautical website
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
A Message From Our Chapter President, Ron Fritz (April '05)
I’m going to start out this month’s column with an apology for not arriving in time to lead the March meeting and not having time to conduct the slide program that was supposed to be presented. We’re going to try to do that program at the April meeting. I’m sure Kathy Hakeem did a fine job in leading the meeting in my absence.As most of you are aware, there are some concerns about the situation at the Sparta airport and many of our members are joining the Sparta pilots association. It’s nice to see so many aircraft owners and pilots willing to step forward and indicate their concern for the future of the airport. At this time, the chapter, as a specific entity, will not be a part in any actions that might affect airport rules or regulations unless they specifically involve our presence or activities at the airport. That isn’t our function as an organization. We do, however, hope we can always be a positive presence on the field and can affect changes to the benefit of all aviation minded people. Since so many of our members are coming forward to join the new association, we will include ongoing status reports during our business meetings.
I also wish to thank those members who came forward to reimburse the chapter for the cost of their meal at the chapter banquet in February, after they had not been able to attend.
I’ve noticed an increased enthusiasm on the part of many of our members. Several of our members are demonstrating a desire to start new projects or dust off projects that haven’t been worked on for a while. That is very heartening and I hope we can encourage others to join in on the fun. I think, as a chapter, we can expand this enthusiasm to include others who might have been fearful of starting a project in the past. I’d like to reserve a space in the monthly newsletters to report the activities of our members.
See you all at the April meeting...
What Our Members Are Doing
Paul Kovalak and Paul Zimmer have been investigating the Mustang II as their building projects. The have visited a nearly finished plane in Muskegon and were planning to visit the distributor to make a final decision as to whether or not to go ahead with their projects.
Paul Spetosky has finally gotten his 1950 Beechcraft Bonanza back to the Sparta airport. He and John Gill flew in the final leg recently and Paul will be tearing into the plane to get it back into license after a lengthy period of inactivity. Work will begin in earnest after he and Ethyl return from Florida and the Sun-n-Fun Fly in.
Jim Reeds has ordered kits to continue building his Zenith 701. You might remember visiting Jim’s workshop some time ago to view his progress at that time and also to view a demonstration of riveting.
If anyone is working on a project that we are not aware of, please come forward at a meeting to enlighten us as to its presence.
Paul Spetosky has finally gotten his 1950 Beechcraft Bonanza back to the Sparta airport. He and John Gill flew in the final leg recently and Paul will be tearing into the plane to get it back into license after a lengthy period of inactivity. Work will begin in earnest after he and Ethyl return from Florida and the Sun-n-Fun Fly in.
Jim Reeds has ordered kits to continue building his Zenith 701. You might remember visiting Jim’s workshop some time ago to view his progress at that time and also to view a demonstration of riveting.
If anyone is working on a project that we are not aware of, please come forward at a meeting to enlighten us as to its presence.
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