|
June Meeting
The next meeting
will be held Wednesday, June 27th at 7:30 PM at McElmurry Hall.
The program will feature Andrew
Gorski, WWII Lancaster bomber pilot
Presidents Message
Finally,
I started my RV-8 Kit. After destroying a practice project, I got help
from Earl Swan and Jim Ellis. My biggest problem? Too much air pressure
to the rivet gun.
I’ve always been telling
people that if they decide to build a project, all kinds of help is
available from EAA members.
This
has been a very busy week. I attended the Airport Commission meeting on
Monday to complete my presentation on the Young Eagles program. All of
the board members expressed a positive attitude toward the program. I
hope eventually to use the Young Eagle program as a springboard to more
youth aviation training programs
Tuesday
evening, we had an FAA meeting on the new VFR procedures for SRQ. A
safety program on runway incursions followed this presentation.
Unfortunately,
several people based at other airports left in a huff when they learned
that the VFR departure/arrival procedures would only apply for aircraft
based there so they missed a very entertaining yet serious discussion
on human frailties.
I
was invited to Thursday morning’s SRQ Runway Safety Action Team (RSAT)
(do we love acronyms). Not too sure why I was invited, but I ended up
representing EAA 180, FAA Safety Team, and the Air Line Pilots
Association. Not too much to report here, With a few minor problems,
everyone seemed to feel we have a safe airport.
The
TAMPA AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER LETTER TO AIRMEN NO. 07-07 explains the
new FVR Departure Procedure. (the letter is posted on the chapter
website)
This month’s meeting will
feature a guest speaker.
In keeping with WEDU’s search
for veterans of WW II, I have discovered a treasure in our own
community. Andrew Gorski flew 20 missions
as a Lancaster Bomber Commander for the Free Polish Air Force under the
RAF. After
the war he merged into the RAF and flew as an Acceptance Test Pilot. In
recent years, he has been working on his Bumble Bee, a pontoon equipped
“Ultralight” aircraft. He has a very
interesting story to tell. The Russians sent Andrew and his family to
Siberia after invading Eastern Poland. Come
hear his story at our June 27th meeting.
Martin
Minutes of the May
Meeting
President Martin Sobel opened the meeting at 7:35pm with the
'Pledge to the Flag'. 17 members and guests were present
Treasurer's
Report: Treasurer Brad Smith reported a balance of $37,228.33
Secretary's
Report: The minutes of the April meeting were accepted as read.
Brad Smith reminded the
chapter that 67 of last year's members have still not paid their 2007
dues.
Builders
Reports: Martin Sobel said he's looking forward to getting some
work
done on his RV-8. Brad Smith has purchased an 'electronic hub' to
reduce the time building his RV-6A/7A. Frank Hurlburt is wiring
the
panel of his Lancair IV-P and report there are 'a lot of wires'.
He
expects a least another month putting the panel together. Vance
Noles
flew his RV-9A to the Mid-Atlantic Fly-In in Lumberton, North
Carolina. He is now working on an RV-7A that he plans on having
ready
to take to the airport next month for completion. Jim Ellis has
finished the brake work on his RV-9A and is ready to paint the
remaining parts.
Martin
Sobel reported this year's involvement at the Mid-Atlantic Fly-In was
'socially a big success'. Blaise Pierson said the chapter
received
'great praise' from all of the major players of the event. Martin
and
Scott Becker participated in the airshow - ribbons were cut from poles
they were holding. The chapter was able to make $580 from sales and
rental of tie-downs. Blaise told the organizers of the fly-in,
our
chapter wanted the rights to the T-shirts for next year's event.
See Lumberton
pictures courtesy of Dawna Basl at:
Young
Eagles: At the last event, weather played a part in keeping the
Young Eagles away. 3 planes, 3 pilots, no kids.
Blaise
Pierson spoke with Jones Aviation about our chapter bringing in the
EAA's B-17 November 12-15, 2007. The have agreed to let us hold
the
event on their property.
Following
the break for refreshments, Martin Sobel shared a CD with the
group.
An English tower controller described procedures at British airports,
and related humorous stories.
Martin closed
the meeting at 9:10pm.
Respectfully
submitted,
Rolf Bostrom,
Secretary
Young Eagles Report
Submitted by: Chip Miller, Dir.
This
month's Young Eagle Day at Dolphin Aviation was very successful and
enjoyable for all who attended. The day started out clear of clouds and
calm and later became
scattered
clouds with a light steady crosswind breeze. Our pilots, Patience
Little (C-172), Jeff Walston (C-172), and new EAA member pilot Mark
Jackson (Decathlon 8K-CAB) flew a total of 17 kids. Traffic appeared to
flow smoothly in the FBO, on the ramp, and in the air.
In
addition to our YE activities that day, Cirrus Aviation put on a Cessna
display and an on-ramp BBQ to feed folks who were checking out the
brand new C-172 and C-182 (with glass cockpits) parked outside the
picture window. Cessna reps were on hand to demonstrate the new cockpit
equipment and answer any questions. They fed us, too.
Thank
you to Curt Eskew for supplying his C-172 to Jeff Walston to fly Young
Eagles, and to all who participated as ground and air crew. Tom and
Linda Sell have been doing a great job running our YE operation. A list
of pilots and ground crew volunteers is kept and updated. There is
always a need for stand-by pilots and extra ground crew are always
appreciated. Part of what we do for our YEs and their families is to
escort them on the busy ramp, explain the program, and take a photo of
the "flight crew" that we attach to their YE certificate. I don't know
who's having morefun-- us or the kids!
We all have a great time and,
no doubt, have sparked an aviation future in some youngster's lives.
Come out next month and be
part of the fun.
Fly safe,
Chip
Chapter Dues Due
As
noted in the minutes, many of you still owe for 2007 (and it’s June!)
I’m attempting to get a list of unpaid members to include in a “wall of
shame” in next month’s newsletter. If you think you might still owe,
get in touch with Brad and clear your record.
Brad Smith
7512 24th Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34209
Or pay at this month’s meeting.
The dues are $25.00
|