Retiring a Classic Aircraft
In the September Chapter 240 Newsletter (copy available here) John Downey, a friend and long-time aviation fan based in the UK, detailed the restoration work being done on the ‘Vimy’. The Vickers Vimy was a british heavy bomber of the first world war and set notable records in long-distance flights, the most celebrated of which was the first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic by Alcock and Brown in June 1918. In this update from John, we learn that the Vimy is being retired: ~~~~~~~~~ Mike - If you and/or your members are interested, the Vimy has now been retired to Brooklands Museum. On 15 November it was flown into the grass strip (see the video below). On 19th the team dismantled it so it could be moved into the Brooklands hangar, just in time for a big fundraising event on 21st - ‘Vimy Day’. This aircraft had been dismantled on a number of occasions in the past during the time it was being flown on the re-creation flights and transported in a C5A. However, on this last occasion we did not have the hands-on expertise of the previous operators, only some guidance notes from the builder John LaNoue (he came for the 21st event). Nevertheless, the operation was successful after some 17 hours of work which meant taking a few shortcuts (cutting, but marking, some electric wires) as it is extremely unlikely it will fly again. It was separated just aft of the wing trailing edge but we had to overcome the fact there was a fuel tank in the aft section. Even though a hand pump had been kindly lent from nearby Fairoaks airport (and delivered by helicopter!) it failed to work properly and we had to resort to draining the tanks from underneath, a rather slow process. When the two sections eventually arrived in the hangar, being delayed for an hour or so whilst a road was closed, only two of the four linking bolts could be found. This resulted in some consternation (!) from the tired team whilst alternatives were sought in the museum stores! The re-assembly and positioning was eventually completed at midnight! This classic aicraft can now be seen alongside Concorde and may other classics at the Brooklands Museum, Surrey, UK. Photographs of the Vimy work can be found here. Thanks, John Downey Read More →
Restoration Milestone
The PA-22 Restoration reached a milestone yesterday (Saturday November 14th) with the installation of the first leading-edge surface of the first wing re-assembly. With the fuel tank installed, the landing light being being re-configured and re-assembled (nice job Bob!), the wing is nearing completion, ready for covering in the spring. With all the lessons-learned in this wing restoration the assembly and preparation of the second wing should be completed faster….not that we’re in a rush. We made this aircraft purchase a project to give members an opportunity to see how restoration happens, to learn new skills and new experiences and to have fun doing it! This was all evident yesterday as it was demonstrated how to roll the aluminum wing surfaces, use drilling tools and techniques, precision in measuring and marking etc etc.All part of an active morning at the chapter. As a reminder, the restoration team gets together Wednesday evening and Saturday mornings. It’s been good to have more members have been getting involved in recent weeks, or just dropping in to encourage the team. With the cold and dark winter months ahead why not consider joining us? Coffee and the occasional donut are on-hand to sustain the team and visitors. We’ll see you there. MP. Read More →
Fly-Out to Golden Age Air Museum
Under blue, blue skies and calm winds the largest fleet of Chapter aircraft - nine airplanes - ever to take to the skies on a Chapter Fly-Out went wheels-up from New Garden 9am, Saturday November 7th, destination - Grimes Airport 8N1 and the Golden Age Air Museum. We chatted on the airwaves during the 45 mile flight to the northwest, some airplanes flying formation, but everyone enjoying the perfect flying weather for this unique trip. Grimes airport is up against Blue Mountain ridge, at Bethel PA and the 2300’ grass strip was most welcoming. Our nine aircraft, ranging from a Bonanza to a Sonex taxied and lined-up adjacent to the two main hangars, the workshop and the museum store. Our group of nineteen Chapter members - our largest for a fly-out in recent times - gather for the visit which Bill Kelsall had arranged for us all. Paul Dougherty Snr and Paul Dougherty Jnr, the senior Museum staff, met us in the store and we formed two groups for our personalised tour of the airport and museum. What a treat. In the two main hangars we were introduced to the ‘between-the-wars’ collection, which included; 1917 Rumpler CV, 1918 Curtiss Jenny, 1928 Monocoupe, 1929 Waco GXE, 1930 Great Lakes Sport Trainer, 1932 Pietenpol Air Camper, 1932 Taylor E-2 Cub, 1936 Aeronca C-3 Master. All these aircraft are flown regularly - an accomplishment and testament to the love and care that the museum clearly dedicates to these unique aircraft. After the tour we returned to the well-stocked gift shop for memento’s and aircraft models and kits. Several of the Chapter members took-in lunch at Chester County airport on their way home. Thanks again to our hosts Paul’s Snr & Jnr, and special thanks to Bill for making all the arrangements for us, truly a memorable 240 outing! The Museum web site: www.goldenageair.org Read More →
Membership Meeting - November 2009
EAA CHAPTER 240 November Meeting Minutes 11/2/09 Mike Parry Welcomed two new members, Richard Bellow (SP?) Jimmy Reagan, and guests Dick Davis and Sandy Whalter. Elections: Nate Hauser, Chair of the Election committee was out ill, so John Leslie ran the Membership Elections. The following were elected to office: • Mike Parry: President (voting board member) • Glenn Long: Vice President (voting board member) • Geoff Woodard: Treasurer (voting board member) • Harv Martens: Secretary (voting board member) Pancake Breakfast: The final breakfast was held on Oct 17th. Although the weather was very rainy we had a good turn out and used up all the food that was left over from the rainy 4th breakfast. The breakfast team averted disaster by quickly connecting a new gas source as our large tanks had run dry. The set up running and the cleanup went very smooth thanks to the members who volunteered. Treasurers Repot: Larry Van Deusen was not present. Mike Parry reported the chapter Treasury is strong. Membership Report: Dan Gutierrez was not present. Mike Parry reported we have a “thriving Membership” members. We have met our goal of 25 new members for 2009 and as our membership has grown plus more members are getting involved with chapter activities. Chapter Events: Bill Kelsall reported that this Saturday Nov 7th the chapter will fly out to 8N1 Grimes Field to visit the Golden Age Aircraft Museum. Meet at the Hangar at 8:30. Wheels up 9:00 December fly out will be to the Massey Christmas Party on Dec 6th. Our guest Sandy Walther reported that there will be a Girl Scout Airport Aviation event at the hangar from 9 – 11:30. 30-35 middle school Girl Scouts will lean all about aviation and tour the airport. Ladies from the 99s will be instructing. Holiday Party DEC 7th, 7:00 PM at William Penn School Chapter is taking care of the meats and members are to bring a covered dish, salad, or dessert. If you would like to help out with the set up etc please coordinate with Pat Lopez. Featured Speaker: Jon Martin gave a slide show presentation of his Fairchild 24 restoration project in progress. Jon does incredible work and had the membership speechless as they viewed the beautiful workmanship. Can’t wait to see the finished project. Airport Update: Jon Martin reported that there is a new flight school on the field called New Garden Flight Connection. They have a C-172. The taxiway project may start mid-November. The township has approved of a two day air and car show - “Festival of Flight”, June 12th and 13th. Working with Jon Martin and his committee, Dave Shultz Air shows will be coordinating the event. John Mohr with perform with his Stearman. Meeting closed Read More →
Annual General Meeting - 2009
The Membership Meeting held Monday this week (November 2nd, 2009) represented the required Annual General Meeting, including the election of the four Executive positions in the Chapter. Under the chairmanship of John Leslie votes were cast, and the following appointments were assigned by the attending membership; Treasurer - Geoff Woodard, replacing Larry Van Duesen in his second and last term as Treasurer Secretary - Harv Martens, replacing Jeff Vaughan Vice President - Glenn Long, replacing George Fisher President - Mike Parry, reelected for a second term Special thanks to the outgoing Chapter Executives - Jeff, George and Larry, whose generous time and effort contributions have greatly added to the success the Chapter has enjoyed in recent times. Jeff will publish the formal AGM meeting minutes in due course. The new team will recommend and request additional positions in the weeks ahead, including leadership of Chapter Communications, Young Eagles, Events, Membership and Hangar Manager. These will be announced shortly and, along with the membership elected executives, will form the Board of the Chapter for the next two years. Congratulations and thanks to all. John leads the Membership voting Geoff, Harv, Glenn and Mike Read More →