TALESPINNERS - March, 2002

EAA Chapter 174
Chartered since 1966

TALESPINNERS
March, 2002


Chapter members on their Bolton Field fly-out lunch

From the President

As I sit here in my family room writing this, I'm looking out the window at an extremely cold landscape. It looks like winter has waited until spring. Let's hope it warms up for our fly-out to Hartzell on the 23rd. That reminds me, if you haven't signed up for the fly-out yet, please do so on the website. An accurate head count is a little more important this time because someone is preparing lunch for us. This should be another good one...don't miss it.

We discussed briefly at the last meeting a committee to investigate the possibility of a chapter hangar project. Tom Jenkins, Todd Winemiller, and I will be meeting with Hal Shevers to talk about feasibility and should have something to report at the next chapter meeting on March 17. These discussions are very preliminary and are being investigated because such a large number of members have expressed interest in such a project. It could be an exciting time for our chapter as we continue to grow and become more active.

My RV-6 kit continues at what seems like a snails pace. I found out while building the airframe that when you cut or drill a piece of metal it becomes rather 'permanent.' It's hard to make the piece you've cut longer or a hole smaller. Planning my electrical system like I'm doing now is also wrought with similarly fatal pitfalls. When you cut a hole for a switch or snip a wire and then find out it's wrong or not in the right place, you have created tons of extra work replacing wire or switch panels...that's of course after waiting 10 days or so for a delivery from Aircraft Spruce. I've already used about 5 miles more wire than I ever thought I'd need. This cloud does have a silver lining though. Every week is like Christmas, with packages of cool stuff coming via UPS. If anyone needs anything from Aircraft Spruce, give me a call....we can share shipping costs.

Beechcraft knows how to build an airplane. Just ask Mike Franzago....., or Mike Griffith...., or Chuck Thompson...., or George Shultz....are there others? Mike Franzago's is the newest addition to our chapter. It's amazing how good a 'forty something' year old airplane can look and how it's performance is still practically the same as when it was new. If you build it right and take care of it, it will literally outlast a lifetime, and Beechcraft builds them right. If you come to a fly-out you might get a chance to go for a ride in one. See you all at the next meeting.

Scott Hersha

Minutes from the February Chapter Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 2:08 pm, Sunday, February 17^th.  Treasurer Dave Robertson gave the financial statement, which was approved by Paul Bowden and seconded by Tom Jenkins.  Last month’s meeting minutes were approved and seconded by Tom Jenkins and Mark Webb.  Dave also mentioned that hangar rent would soon be increased to $80 per month, passing on an increase from Sporty’s.  Tech Advisors Howard Wells and Gary Collins mentioned that Cal Bugbee will be moving into the hangar next month for final assembly of his Titan Tornado.

Young Eagles Coordinator Phil Cady informed us of a meeting he had had with Bill Crawford and Todd Winemiller, where they arrived at a target of 105 Young Eagle flights for our Chapter for 2002.  A decision was made to have the second rally in early October. 

Consideration will be given to having the second rally at Blue Ash airport.  Phil also mentioned that anyone requiring a form to deduct YE expenses should see him for a copy.

It was agreed that the roster and meeting calendar would be mailed as part of the March newsletter.  Guests Steve Marsan and Rob Jacobs were introduced and welcomed.  Art West and Doug Hurd volunteered to take over the coffee service, and also to begin providing soft drinks, starting with the next meeting.

The March 23^rd Hartzell fly-out was discussed and it was agreed that we would participate rain or shine (fly or drive).  About 18 members expressed an interest so far.  Transportation will be provided from the Piqua airport to the plant.  See the website for last minute details.  Adjourned at 3:15 pm.

Norm Beaudette, Chapter Secretary

Minutes from the February Board Meeting

An impromptu meeting was called just prior to the Chapter meeting to discuss recent circumstances with our 501(c)(3) (educational / charitable organization) application with the IRS.  The IRS had informed us that additional information would be required before they would grant us the 501(c)(3) status, and that we had a very limited time in which to respond.  The meeting was primarily to disseminate information.  It was agreed that we would contact the IRS and determine exactly what our options are.  Meeting began at approx 1:30 pm and ended at 2:03 pm.

Norm Beaudette, Chapter Secretary