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

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.

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