(Previously unpublished)
EAA Chapter 704 held its regular monthly meeting at the Sparta Paul C. Miller Airport with 24 members and/or guests present.
It was announced that the Annual Pancake Breakfast Fly In is scheduled for July 15 and notices have call ready been posted with the state so the event will be posted on the internet and published in the Michigan Aviation publication. The Fly In is co sponsored by EAA 704, The Sparta Lions Club and Boy Scout troop 704. The breakfast will be held in the John Gill hangar.
Glen Holt, chapter coordinator with the Boy Scout has been in touch with the BSA leadership and is making efforts to attend their meeting when called.
Tim and Lori Layne have announced the beginning of their new flight school called Sparta Aero operating out of an office in the pilot’s lounge building
President Johnston called for project reports and there were several. It seems that most members are working on something or helping others with their projects.
Scott Richmond gave an account of his flight across the nation as he went to California to pick up a Bonanza. After encountering some difficulty in getting the aircraft inspected and signed off he was able to begin his adventure back to Michigan. It seems that an AP recommended by the seller had declared the aircraft un-airworthy for various reasons and refused to sign it off for flight. It took some finagling to get some sort of ferry permit and the trip home was begun. Weather became a factor in crossing the nation and the route home took some bizarre twists and turns going North and South almost as much as East. They make it to Valparaso, Indiana where the plane was left to be picked up later. (It has since been retrieved and by all reports is a beautiful airplane.)
The Greenville Pilot’s Ass’n is setting up a Young Eagles event —more information will be coming at a later date.
The VOR at Grand Rapids suffered some serious storm damage and is out of service. The reports are that it may remain out of service permanently.
Meeting Adjourned
Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
President’s Message (May 2007)
Welcome back from Sun & Fun! Your tan faces should reveal those who went. Speaking of which,....Kevin Wheeler and Denny Wass will summarize the adventure of flying down and back in a comfy (and slow) Cessna 172. I wonder if it was as exciting (in more ways than one) as Scott Richmond's trip back from California....thanks for sharing your stories with us, Scott. We have a few things brewing in the agenda cauldron this month. Firstly, we would like to focus on our "Olde Eagles" by allowing them to view the new airport from above. I will be available at 6:00 if any one who has not had the opportunity would like to sail around the patch. If there are any other volunteer pilots willing to offer their services, have your plane on the ramp and ready to go at 6:00pm also. This may delay the start of the regular meeting, but I am sure you wont run out of conversational topics.
After our coffee break, we may amble down to John Gill's hangout and view his progress on his "7". Tom Kozura and John has offered to inform all you builders what to expect in the way of inspections and other milestones in the building process.
Also, if we have time, Tom will perform a “mock” ramp check, with no intimidation. Do we have any volunteers to lay their plane, credentials, and reputation on the line? Please give me a call if you can give "Olde Eagle" rides or art willing to be ramp checked. See you about 6pm on the 14th?
-Vic Johnston
Sorry, the April meeting minutes were not available at time of printing
Accompany Chapter 145...
Dick Foster of EAA Chapter 145 has extended an invitation to our group... Chapter 145 is having a representative from Electroair direct fire ignition systems, Waterford Mi, give a presentation on a new type of ignition system for aircraft. Check it out at www.electroair.net.
Any one who would like to know more is welcome to attend on Friday, May 11, 7:00 pm at Riverview airport.
Any one who would like to know more is welcome to attend on Friday, May 11, 7:00 pm at Riverview airport.
Message From Dick Foster EAA Chapter 145...
Greetings,
The Young Eagle program has introduced over a million young people to aviation! The future of general aviation is somewhat dependent on how young people view aviation. Good pilots like you are needed to help continue flying young people.
I thought you might want to know that several EAA chapters are sponsoring Young Eagle rallies this summer, and you could be part of the activities. The schedule looks like this: (Rallies run about 9am to 4pm, you can do any part or all.)
Help is needed to either fly Young Eagles or work as part of the ground crew. If you, friends, or family would like to get in on any part of the fun, please contact:
Jim Butcher (EAA221 Young Eagle Coordinator)
eaa221ye@triton.net
269-375-5923
Dick Foster (EAA145 Young Eagle Coordinator)
rfoster@grcc.edu
616-358-8849
I hope you will enjoy flying young people as much as I do.
-Dick Foster
The Young Eagle program has introduced over a million young people to aviation! The future of general aviation is somewhat dependent on how young people view aviation. Good pilots like you are needed to help continue flying young people.
I thought you might want to know that several EAA chapters are sponsoring Young Eagle rallies this summer, and you could be part of the activities. The schedule looks like this: (Rallies run about 9am to 4pm, you can do any part or all.)
- May: Sat. 5/05/07, Kalamazoo Air Zoo
- Sat. 5/12/07, Marshall
- June: Sat. 6/02/07, Riverview
- Sat. 6/23/07, Allegan
- July: Sun. 7/15/07, Hastings
- August: Sat, 8/25/07, Kalamazoo, Boy Scouts
Help is needed to either fly Young Eagles or work as part of the ground crew. If you, friends, or family would like to get in on any part of the fun, please contact:
Jim Butcher (EAA221 Young Eagle Coordinator)
eaa221ye@triton.net
269-375-5923
Dick Foster (EAA145 Young Eagle Coordinator)
rfoster@grcc.edu
616-358-8849
I hope you will enjoy flying young people as much as I do.
-Dick Foster
Friday, April 06, 2007
President’s Message (April 2007)
Hey everyone! Get all your taxes done so you can attend the EAA meeting April 8th. The program is still in limbo (I have been busy on my taxes) and do not have a speaker lined up at this time. Maybe John Gill can tell us how the skiing was in Colorado. But don't be discouraged....look how good the "two Pauls" extemporaneously took over and thoroughly entertained, educated, and bedazzled us with their presentations!Looking ahead, as the sun sets later, perhaps we can start the evening/ meeting with every one getting a ride in Larry's fleet of airplanes. In the meantime, if you have anything you would like to share with the rest of us, come prepared and you can easily be "penciled in" on the agenda.
Be sure to come, and bring a friend, significant other, or, what the heck, even your wife. See ya, Vic
-Vic Johnston
March (2007) Meeting Minutes
The regular monthly meeting of EAA Chapter 704 was held on March 12,2007 at the Sparta Paul C Miller Airport pilot's lounge. There were about 20 members and guests present.
President Vic Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and opened the discussion with questions about the annual Pancake Breakfast Fly In held in conjunction with the Sparta Town and Country Days celebration. The date needs to be confirmed so announcements can be placed in Michigan Aviation publication.
Paul Zimmer showed some of the tail assemblies of his RV -7 project and discussed the building process he is going through. Other projects were mentioned including Torre Ro's Super Cub restoration.
Paul Spetosky spoke for a while about his time spent many years ago working on Rocket engines for the Titan 3C missiles. He stated he had developed an interest in these engines in the early phases of the "Space Age" and described some of the booster engines used as well as the rocket engines and their control systems. He apparently worked in this field for nearly a year before moving on to other interests.
Meeting adjourned for refreshments and hangar talk
Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704
President Vic Johnston called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and opened the discussion with questions about the annual Pancake Breakfast Fly In held in conjunction with the Sparta Town and Country Days celebration. The date needs to be confirmed so announcements can be placed in Michigan Aviation publication.
Paul Zimmer showed some of the tail assemblies of his RV -7 project and discussed the building process he is going through. Other projects were mentioned including Torre Ro's Super Cub restoration.
Paul Spetosky spoke for a while about his time spent many years ago working on Rocket engines for the Titan 3C missiles. He stated he had developed an interest in these engines in the early phases of the "Space Age" and described some of the booster engines used as well as the rocket engines and their control systems. He apparently worked in this field for nearly a year before moving on to other interests.
Meeting adjourned for refreshments and hangar talk
Jay Dean Sec/Treas EAA Chapter 704
Friday, March 09, 2007
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
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
Thursday, February 08, 2007
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
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.
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.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
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
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