Board Meeting Sept 2, 2010
EAA 240 Board Meeting Minutes September 2 2010 Hangar Fridge Both of our two fridges are malfunctioning. The purchase of one or two new fridges was discussed. Decided: We will buy one new large fridge, estimated at $600. Larry will research and order one - possibly one which discounted due to being a showroom floor model or a “scratch & dent”. Deck Geoff Woodard is donating lumber for a wooden deck for the front of the Chapter Hangar. Decided: the material will be retrieved from Geoff and a work party to construct the deck will be formed. Insurance Chuck Shipman is reviewing the current hangar insurance with member Doug Ditter to ensure that our coverage is appropriate. Air Compressor Chuck Shipman reported that the workshop air compressor is overheating and shutting down, he recommended replacement. Decided: repair will be considered, but if the cost is significant, a new one will be considered (costs estimated at between $600-$1400, dependent on manufacturer). Kitchen Refurbishment Joe Long and Chuck Shipman will be painting the kitchen floor soon. Young Eagles Dale Robinson and Matt Chapman will join the Young Eagles team. The way we market the young eagles program is being reviewed. Fred Kacena Scholarship Glen Long is leading a small committee to review/revise the scholarship program. ** It was noted that the life of Fred Kacena (http://www.fredkacena.com/) would be a good topic for an upcoming membership meeting. Finances Geoff reported a cash balance of approximately $12,700.00 Flyouts Carl Spirito is arranging a Chapter flyout to Rhinebeck on the 18th. All this interested should contact Carl as soon as possible to ensure that passengers have seats. Read More →
Next Membership Meeting - September 6th 2010
Our Membership meetings are now on Summer Break, and we restart our meeting Monday September 6th, at 7pm, in the Chapter Hangar at New Garden Flying Field. Visitors, guests most welcome. Meanwhile keep up-to-date with Chapter Happenings - and there’s lots going on - at the award winning web site, or Twitter, or Facebook! Follow us at our web site www.eaa240.org Follow us on www.Twitter.com - EAA240 Follow us on www.Facebook.com - EAA Chapter 240 Read More →
Membership Meeting Notes - June 2010
Opening comments – Mike Parry · Guest speaker “Helen” not available this evening. Was scheduled to discuss the Chesapeake Bay LSA activities. Offered to schedule at a later date. · Query for more feature articles to be included in the monthly newsletter. One offer for a story on the Piper Museum and the Piper Sentimental Journey event. · Review of and lessons learned from our last breakfast. Will speak later on the coming weekend big bash. · Young Eagles - Pilots and Ground Crew credited with YE success during the May 15th breakfast: Dan, Roger, Dan, Bill and Dave; Bill, John and Nate. · Re-enforced events like learn to fly day and luring the next generation to flight. Pilot numbers are dwindling. · The group from the Polytech High School missed the event, but promise to re-surface later in the year. New Visitor/Members Introductions – Tim Klein and his wife (Soneri Builders), Reggie Thompson (No aircraft, likes to help in hangar), Gary Micellie (New Sundowner owner – based in Wilmington), Craig Bucherel – friend of Jeff Geist. Air Show Information for June 12/13– John Martin · Memphis Belle to arrive 10 am Friday · At least 6 T-6s will be on hand. · Tom Duffy to show with his Corsair · Expect the B-2 to fly over about 1300. Coming from ME on the way to Illinois. · Push for Aviator’s summer camp. 20 campers signed thus far. · Antique cars and their passengers get in free. · Volunteers will be provided a free pass. The airport will host a work party after the show on Saturday. · TFR in force Friday (2-4 PM) and Sat-Sun 12-5 PM. · Air show practice on Friday from 2-4 pm. · Airplane rides on Saturday from 8 am to start of show. · Volunteers get a special bracelet. EAA 240 Big Breakfast · Same schedule – Both days. · Workers – Be on site by 7 am and ready to server by 8 am. Some will arrive starting at 6 am. · Friday – move airplanes, clean kitchen, bathroom and secure tools etc. · Sat/Sun – move airplanes, last minute cleaning. Get cooking. · Clean up about 12 so folks can watch the show. · Expect 400+ diners both days. · John/Nate and volunteers to man EAA 240 booth. Finances – Geoff · $9200 in the bank. · Largest bills are paid for 2010. · $600 in the kitty for the pedal plane and scholarship. Need another $900 by the weekend. Will announce at the air show. · Airplane project expense. At or close to 6k for 2010. No major assemblies needed, just labor right now. Break for coffee and 50/50. Entertainment – John, Mike (Roger absent) · Describe and display their experiences restoring a 47’ Piper Cub. · History of project, great pictures and discussion. Mike Parry – Closing words. Pat Lopez has rejoined us after recovery from serious injuries. Welcome Pat! Our last meeting before the summer break, meetings resume in September! Read More →
Membership Meeting Notes - May 2010
EAA Chapter 240 Membership Meeting Minutes May 3, 2010 Guests: - Jeff Vaughan introduced his friend Glen Vokac from Chapter 95 in Morris, Illinois. Glen is a fellow RV builder. - Kyle McCane - the winner of this year’s Fred Kacena Flight Training $1000 scholarship (see below) - along with his parents Clayton and Donna. Hangar Report - John Leslie provided an update on the hangar insulation project: o Complete on schedule and under budget o Great participation from members - A big thanks to those who joined the work parties to clean up and improve the hangar. A lot of “old junk” has been hauled away, and the bathrooms and kitchen have received a number of improvements, including painting. Pancake Breakfast plans - May 15th - Friday afternoon cleanup Young Eagles - John Leslie - May 15th at New Garden - May 22nd at Delaware Air Park Member News - Mike Macario - DC3 Project o Still on jacks o One more engine to install o All hoses are being replaced o May be ready to fly to Oshkosh o It cruises at 170 mph and consumes 100 gallons per hour. - Bill Fili o Building a model B-24 Liberator o Will be a keynote speaker at the Reading Air Show, June 4th ,5th and 6th o This year there will be 4 B-17s at the show Scholarship - Nate Hauser - Nate introduced Kyle McCane, this year’s winner. He is a Junior at UD. He grew up under the flight path for runway 9 Right at PHL. Every time he saw an aircraft overhead he thought about some day being able to fly one. He has started training with John Martin and already has 18 hours. Flyouts - Carl Spirito - Next Saturday to Flying W (weather permitting). Meet at the hangar at 8:30 - 9:00. Finance Report - Jeff Woodard - We have spent about $3000 on hangar improvements - but this was covered by donations. - During the colder months we are spending about $500 per month on propane for heating - this should be reduced due to insulation - We have about $8850 in cash. Major expense last year was the Tri-Pacer project. No major expenditures planned for the rest of the year. New Garden Air Show - Volunteers to help with the air show should sign up. There is a Friday night party for the volunteers. Read More →
Membership Meeting Notes - April 2010
EAA 240 Membership Meeting minutes April 5th 2010 - Friends of Bellanca Hangar, Wilmington Guests · William Getty introduced himself. He is planning to build an aircraft. William joined Chapter 240 at the meeting. · Phyllis Sawyer – John’s wife, Recent Tragedy – by Mike Parry We are all saddened by the loss of our chapter member and good friend Phil Lopez. His wife Pat is in guarded condition. Phil was enthusiastic for just about everything the Chapter was involved him, and for anything-aviation. We’ll miss Phil and his loss leaves a big gap, in our hearts and in our Chapter. We wish Pat, our “Social Director”, a speedy and full recovery. She has actively taken part and contributed to each and every aspect of the Chapters activities. She has driven many social happenings at our hangar, with impromptu lunches, cook-outs, crab-fests. She and Phil have been generous with their time and contributions to make these weekend activities a success and a big draw for our membership. Hangar Report – Mike Parry/John Leslie - Painting is under way o The kitchen has been completed o Glenn’s father (Joe) has replaced much of the trim - Next big task will be to insulate. Weekend work parties are being formed. o First weekend will be April 16, 17, 18 o 3 weekends will be needed, generally 2-4 on Friday and 8-4 on Saturday and Sunday. o Volunteers should sign up John Leslie Flyouts / Outings – Carl Spirito - Flyout to Cambridge, MD planned for Saturday April 10th - Glenn is arranging a tower visit to McGuire AFB for April 25th at 1:00 p.m. o There is a limit of 12 people o A tour of the base is included Scholarship - Nate Hauser – The deadline for applications has been extended by 10 days Pedal Plane – Jeff Vaughan - We have collected enough to cover the cost - There will be a big push for ticket sales at the airs how Next Meeting - At the chapter hangar – Monday May 3rd. Tonight’s Speaker - Friends of Bellanca - Mike Parry introduced Frank Ianni - Major General Francis A. Ianni, Army National Guard of the United States (Retired), Former Adjutant General, State of Delaware. Former professor at Goldey Beacom College) as the speaker for this evening. Bellanca Airfield – Frank Ianni o 2 important individuals in the history of Bellanca Airfield passed away recently: § Augie Bellanca, son of GM Bellanca, passed away recently at the age of 93. See: http://miva.delawareonline.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?obits.mv+89977 § Elinor Smith passed away recently at the age of 98. She was aviatrix of the year in 1930 at the age of 19. At the age of 18 she flew under all 4 bridges on the East River in New York. See: http://womanpilot.com/?p=49 o This airfield was created in 1928 because HB Dupont wanted a public use airfield (he already had his own). The hangar (in which we met) was build in 1936 o The property extended to the river and included a sea plane base o Giuseppe Mario Bellanca was an aeronautical genius. Some of his many significant achievements: § His plane Columbia washttp://www.friendsofbellanca.org/Miss_Veedol.htm Charles Lindbergh’s first choice for a Trans-Atlantic crossing. Lindbergh was unable to secure the plane, but 2 weeks after that first Trans-Atlantic flight Columbia was flown non-stop from New York to Berlin (3,911 miles). § In 1931, Bellanca’s Miss Veedol was the first plane to fly non-stop across the Pacific from Japan to Washington State (4,500 miles) setting an endurance record of 84 hours. § By July 1931, six Bellancas had crossed the Atlantic, including a flight to Istanbul – a record 5,012 miles. o He taught himself how to fly o He was featured on the cover of Time Magazine shortly after Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight. o GM Bellanca retired in 1954 and sold the company to Piasecki. o He was enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1959 and died the following year. Geoff Woodard, EAA240 Treasurer) presented Mr. Ianni with a check from Chapter 240 to support the “Friends of Bellanca Airfield”. The meeting adjourned. Read More →
Membership Meeting Notes - March 2010
EAA Chapter 240 - March Membership Meeting Minutes March 2, 2010 Hangar Report - John Leslie discussed the hangar insulation project: o Received quotations from half a dozen suppliers o The lowest bidder was Graber – the company that originally erected our hangar o Only the ceiling will be insulated – where most of the heat is lost § Members voted unanimously to proceed o John will organize a work party soon. It should take about 3 weekends Guest Speaker – Tim Fields of the Delaware Air National Guard Tim is a C130 pilot who has served 4 deployments in Afghanistan. With some great photos and fact filled slides, Tim described his experiences as a military pilot in this primitive country. The main base of operations for coalition forces is Bagram Air Base. Originally built by the Soviets during their occupation, taxiways are built with concrete blocks (these were the original Soviet runways). Afghan air space has minimal radar coverage. The elevation of the highest air field in Afghanistan is 7800 feet. Tim described it as “wild west” flying, with few rules, high terrain and bad weather. There are too many aircraft and too few air traffic control services. There is also the constant threat of anti-aircraft artillery, rocket propelled grenades, and small arms fire. C130s are the “pick-up truck” of the Afghan war. Their main purpose is to deliver supplies by air drop. They are capable of carrying 32,000 pounds of equipment or 64 paratroopers. They also serve as an air-borne ambulance - the C130 becomes a “flying hospital – with a team of 5 medical personnel. Flying the C130 from the USA to Afghanistan is typically a 4 day trip. Other Business Scholarship – applications need to be in by March 31st. The selection will be done in April. Pedal Plane – Jeff Vaughan has the raffle tickets - $5 each. The scholarship is funded by this raffle. Flyouts planned – Carl Spirito - this Saturday to York. - April 10th to Cambridge, MD - May 8th to the Flying ‘W’ RV Fly-in – The May 15th Pancake Breakfast will also be an RV Fly-in. Young Eagles – John Leslie - Will be held on each Pancake Breakfast day except for the June air show days. - Also at Massey August 28th Next Chapter meeting – at the Bellanca hangar in New Castle, Delaware (Route 273 and Centerpoint Blvd). Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=39.66,-75.59&ie=UTF8&ll=39.663972,-75.587276&spn=0.000863,0.002631&z=19&layer=c&cbll=39.664035,-75.587648&panoid=lCeobdq46Bc3hgInsCaKMA&cbp=12,88.15,,0,6.74 Newsletter – please submit articles to Mike Parry Read More →
Board Meeting Notes - February 2010
Board Meeting Notes - Thursday February 18th 2010, Six Paupers Hockessin Attending: Mike Parry, John Leslie, Larry Van Deusen, Harv Martens, Carl Spirito, Geoff Woodard (Apologies: Glenn, Phil) Food: Wings, nachos and (appropriately) Flying Dog ale! Membership Report (Larry) Five new members in recent weeks! Membership Renewals for 2010 progressing well, totaling 90 at present, the recent mailed reminder helped. The meeting reviewed the ‘outstanding’ list, confident of renewals in the coming weeks. 2010 Membership target remains as +25 for the new year. Our events and activities are attracting a good amount of attention, leading to membership applicants. Treasury (Geoff) Current overall balance stands at a very healthy $14,000. No major expenses foreseen, enabling is to consider Hangar Projects including the roof insulation, finishing the bathrooms and improving the kitchen etc. Young Eagles Program 2010 (John) We plan to double the YE Flight count in 2010. John and Nath are planning a large mailing (with Hugh’s help) to increase awareness of our events and dates. Massey YE date to be determined. Scholarship (Mike) Our $1,000 Flight Training Scholarship is now available, and we already have one applicant. We need to form the Selection Committee, and publicize the opportunity. Hangar Projects (John) John had determined the materials costs for insulating the hangar roof space, $2,600. The Board discussed and approved this item to go forward for Membership approval. John hoped, if approved, we could commence work very soon. The meeting discussed work-parties for hangar door maintenance, kitchen upgrades and bathroom finishing. We’ll look to start this work in spring. The meeting also discussed propane gas supplies and storage options (to reduce expenses and improve supply) but determined to take no action, pending the results of the hangar insulation. Fly-Out and Events (Carl) Carl prosed the following schedule of fly-out’s: March 6th - York PA April 10th - Cambridge MD May 8th - Flying W NJ June 5th - Tangier Island MD Other destinations will include Luray Caverns and Rhinebeck ‘Family Days At The Hangar’ dates, and ‘Old Buzzards’ date will be announced in the spring Read More →
Membership Meeting - Feb 2010
EAA CHAPTER 240 February Meeting Minutes 04-FEB-2010 Notes Mike Parry was unable to attend so Glenn Long conducted the meeting. Glenn reminded everyone that articles are needed for the monthly newsletter. Meetings The March meeting will be at William Penn High School and the April Meeting will be at the Bellanca Museum in New Castle. Carl Spirito reported that they are presently restoring 3 aircraft for static display if any of the members are interested in assisting with the effort. The May meeting will be at the hangar. Chapter Events The first pancake breakfast will be on May 15th and there will be a spring cleanup before the event. Carl Spirito reported that this Saturday, weather permitting, there will be a flyout to York. Departure time is 9am. Chapter Finances / Fundraising Jeff Woodard did not have the exact numbers but reported that we are a little bit above where we were at year end which was 11,600 in the bank. There are 75 members which have paid for 2010. Jeff Vaughan discussed plans for the Pedal Plane Scholarship Fund Raiser and distributed raffle tickets for the plane. Hangar Chuck reviewed tools that are needed and sponsorship opportunities. John Leslie discussed upcoming plans to insulate the hangar. Member Projects / Aviation John Smoyer reminded everyone about the open house/shop he and Don have planned for this weekend (again weather permitting) so members can stop by and see their Just Escapade project. Glenn Long talked about his visit to the Sebring LSA Show. Read More →
Membership Meeting - January 2010
EAA CHAPTER 240 January Meeting Minutes 04-JAN-2010 Mike Parry welcomed new member Dan Zapotok. Elections: Carl Spirito accepted the request of the board to be our new Member at Large. The primary duties of this position are planning fly-outs and flying related events (e.g. Old Buzzards). - Pancake Breakfasts: May 15 - will be made an RV fly-in June 12, 13 - New Garden Air show - pancake breakfast both days July 10 September 11 Possible October breakfast Membership Report: We will aim to add another 25 new members in 2010. Chapter Events: Flyouts will continue to be held on the Saturday following the membership meeting. Hangar Report: The chapter hangar is in need of updates and maintenance. Work parties will be organized. The main hangar door needs repair. Bathrooms/kitchen need to be updated. Insulation will be installed on the ceiling. Chapter Awards: The awards issued by the EAA National for various positions were presented. In addition, Mike presented some unique rewards for members who deserved special recognition. Most notable among these were “Volunteer of the Year” - Chuck Shipman and “Most Clecos Used” - Chuck Gaffeney. Featured Speaker: Mike Parry and John Leslie told the story, illustrated by photos, of their Piper Cub J-3 restoration project. Progress has been rapid under the direction of the “Cub Restoration Guru”, Roger Lenhert. This project was begun in early October and as of mid-November, the wings were covered, interior fabric applied, and the engine rebuild is in progress. They hope to have it flying by the Spring. Member Projects: Glenn Long provided an update on his Lancair project. He also hopes to be flying by Spring. Aircraft Parts Supplier: With many hard to find parts for classic aircraft restoration: Accurate Aerospace in Media: http://tinyurl.com/y985q2j Airport Update: A portion of the taxiway will be closed for construction for an indefinite period. The Memphis Belle B-17 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B-17_Flying_Fortress) has been confirmed for the 2010 New Garden Air Show - “Festival of Flight”, June 12th and 13th. It will be arriving on Friday June 11th. Also confirmed are Manfred Radius (http://www.radiusairshows.com/main/), John Mohr, Matt Chapman, Jason Flood and Kevin Russo. See : http://newgarden.schultzairshows.com/ Future Aviators -Summer Camp for 2010: Last year it was for kids aged 8 - 14. This year they will be split into 2 groups, with the older group upper age limit of 16 or 17. January 13, 2010 - FAA Safety Seminar “Managing the Hazards of Aircraft Icing on Takeoff and Landings!” at the New Garden hangar. http://www.faasafety.gov/SPANS/event_details.aspx?eid=29016 Scholarship: For the past 2 years, the Fred Kacena Flight Training Scholarship has been a big success. Both winning candidates are still in training. Will continue for 2010. Other Business: Hugh Horning discussed the FAA Wings program. He feels that is had become too complicated. He polled the members regarding their participation. George Fisher announced that the Sport Air Racing League (http://www.sportairrace.org/) will hold an air race on July 10th at 58M (Cecil County Airport, MD). Volunteers to help with parking are needed. N57 will be one of the way points. Read More →
Board Meeting Notes - December 2009
Chapter 240 Board Meeting December 3, 2009 Attendees: Mike Pary, Jeff Vaughan, Bill Kelsall, Harv Martens, Glenn Long, Larry Van Deusen Venue: Six Paupers, Hockessin DE · Membership Report o Goal agreed as an additional 25 new members in 2010 o Discussed the need to update members aircraft building project information § Harv will email a member profile form to the members to fill in and return · Young Eagles Report o John Leslie not present o Discussed the need to boost Young Eagles participation § Should we hold them separately from the Pancake Breakfasts? · Jointly with the PBs is good for both activities but we need a rain date for the YE o DECIDED – always plan a rain date for Young Eagles § We should use the air show and our booth to promote Young Eagles · DECIDED – YE people at the booth with info and a script for the announcer and hold Young Eagles on the following weekend · Treasurers Report - Larry Van Deusen o Finances overall are in good condition o Close to $6,000 total spent on Tri-Pacer project this year, per plan o Mike proposed for 2010 we create a budget with a ceiling § DECIDED – Mike, Glenn and Larry will put together a budget for the first 6 months of 2010, working with the Tri-Pacer leaders · Activity Updates o Pancake Breakfasts - planned: o May 15 - will be made an RV fly-in (Jeff checking for conflicts) o June 12, 13 - New Garden Air show – pancake breakfast both days o July 10 o September 11 o Possible October date o Possible New Events for 2010 § McGuire AFB tour? § Air & Space museum tour · Jeff will determine the cost of a bus trip in February o Chapter Meetings – Speakers: § March – Flight Safety § April – Meet at the Bellanca hangar · Hangar Committee o Phil not present o Discussed a number of ways in which the hangar needs sprucing up (e.g. finish the bathrooms, kitchen area (storage), main hangar doors maintenance) o DECIDED – a list of projects should be compiled, and volunteers sought; form work parties to work during spring (Mike/Phil) · At-Large Report - Bill Kelsall o Proposed Fly-outs § Grimes § Luray Caverns § Rhinebeck § Cambridge (tour the town) § Kentmorr – Tail-Dragger event § Dover Air Museum · Discussion Topics o Awards Ceremony to be held at the January Membership Meeting o Scholarship § Should we allow the money to be spent at other flight training facilities? · DECIDED - to continue to support New Garden, for the present, assuming success of the new Flight Training facility o Member at Large § Remains an open position. Candidates were discussed. Approaches will be made. o ‘Donate-a-Tool’ § We are in need of tools and parts to support the Tri-Pacer project · DECIDED - A list will be compiled and posted on the web site, Members can sign up to donate items from the list o Pedal Plane Fund Raiser (for Scholarship funds) § Jeff Vaughan will lead this again for 2010 o Board Election results need to be provided to EAA National (Harv) Read More →