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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello members, spouses and friends,

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

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

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

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

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

Please plan on attending this educational and informative meeting.

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

Your Pres.
John Gill

November (2006) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2006

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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

Pics of Vic's Retirement Party

A Letter From Vic Johnston

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

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

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

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


Googles of Thanx,

Vic

Surprise Retirement Party for Vic Johnston

•At 2:00pm on Sunday November 5, 2006

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

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

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

•Drinks will be provided.

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

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

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

Attention all chapter members:

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

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

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

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

Your Pres.
John Gill

8D4 Runway Pics

October (2006) Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes October 9, 2006

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Respectfully Submitted,

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