Jeppesen, known in the aviation industry as the worldwide leader in navigation and charting services, recently presented Miracle on the Hudson pilots Captain Chesley Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles with a specially designed approach chart and engraved Jeppesen chart binders to commemorate the remarkable ditching of US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River in New York in January 2009.
Norman Surplus, the Irishman whose goal is to become the first autogyro pilot to fly his aircraft around the world, is putting the remainder of his flight on hold until next spring.
The FAA, through a joint effort with EAA, is finalizing an advisory circular whose objective is to improve safety with individuals transitioning into experimental aircraft.
The all-electric Cri-Cri, the first-ever four-motor aerobatic plane, made its official maiden flight at Le Bourget airport near Paris last week (September 3).
The August meeting began with a tour of aircraft building projects at the homes of David & Lisa Johnson and Brent & Erica Humphreys, followed by a cookout-potluck lunch. The meeting was called to order by President Tom White with 38 members and guests present.
The secretary’s report was approved as published; motion by Bob Brantley, second by Brent Humphreys.
Treasurer Jim Vokac gave the financial report; motion to approve by Al Grant, second by John DeRoos and approved by members present.
The cooks were thanked for the good food.
A motion made by Phyllis White, second by Clint Allen was approved by members present to participate in Oz Fall Fest, October 3, with a booth downtown; fee $50. Hours are 9 – 4 PM with set-up by 8:30 AM. The booth will consist of the simulator, raffle mailbox, Young Eagle materials and the Pietenpol project.
The fly-in scheduled for October 10th, was discussed. It is the Jerry L. Smith Memorial Fly-In. The bridge with the memorial plaques for Jerry and Jim Evertsen will be dedicated that same day. Sandy Smith expressed her appreciation for the plaque; she said it was very comforting to know people care. Jerry’s mother was in route to see it. The fly-in planning committee is asking for ideas. See Bill Ghan, Sandy Smith, Phyllis or Tom White with suggestions.
MPA Chapter 20 will be hosting the annual poker run on September 19th. Final destination will be Mountain View for the meal. Rules and details will be announced at a later date. Bob Brantley noted the Mountain View Airport will be closing August 18th for possibly 60 days. Jim Vokac said Willow Springs Airport is scheduled for resurfacing in August or September; we can only hope it will be open for the fly-in. Jim will notify the city of our scheduled fly-in date. Sandy Smith mentioned West Plains was also closing for work on Monday.
October is our annual meeting with election of officers. Volunteers for the nominating committee are Brent Humphreys, Doc Openshaw and John Smith. Anyone wishing to volunteer for office should see those three. Officer positions for election are President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Member at Large. Nomination announcements will be during the September meeting and voting in October. A motion made by Phyllis White to have 9 AM breakfast potluck for the September meeting was seconded by Bill Ghan and approved by members present. The meeting will follow breakfast.
Rory suggested using the simulator program he has provided for a simulator in the meeting room (space available) for members to access.
Jerry Pfister and Brent Humphreys were asked to give comments on Air Venture 2009. Jerry said he didn’t have anything to say; he did have some fun. Erica was able to join Brent this year so he saw it through her eyes. They were there to see the arrivals on Sunday, including White Knight Two. They arranged for a camper rental; the camper was set up, keys hidden in it and ready to use. Sandy Smith said there was a nice memorial for Jerry and 79 other inductees including Steve Fossett and Jett Travolta.
Bob Brantley has two albums filled with over twelve years of building the Falco pictures available for any builders to see.
The chapter Pietenpol project is coming along.
The project tour continued to the Allen’s hangar for dessert and to view the Jenny project. Anyone wanting to stop at Ron’s hangar to see the Stearman project may also do so. Everyone was reminded to return to the chapter hangar after the tour for clean-up. The Allen’s, Humphreys’ and Johnson’s were thanked for their efforts and allowing the members to view their projects. The turnout was great and everyone seemed to enjoy the outing.
A motion to adjourn was made by John Smith, second by Bob Brantley and approved by members present.
Pietenpol Update August 15
Written by Brent Humphreys
Sunday, 16 August 2009 20:34
On Saturday the team got right to work. The wings were removed, and covered.
I think it is just about time for some Rib Stitching!
Pietenpol Update August 13
Written by Brent Humphreys
Thursday, 13 August 2009 15:51
Using plumb bob line to set leading edge location
Wings Being Rigged and in supports
Berlin welds up another wing strut
The ailerons are connected together. (Note one up, the other down)
Winds installed and ailerons connected (view from above)
Pietenpol Update August 2
Written by Brent Humphreys
Sunday, 02 August 2009 18:00
Tom and Berlin Cover teh turtle deck - 7/28
Covering the bottom of the fuselage 7/29
Detail of the many wing pieces varnished
Near disaster when the engine jack bleed off during the night causing the fuselage turtle deck to fall on a chair causing stringer damage. Photo shows repairs 7/31
Turtle deck repaired and recovered. Bottom on and taped out. Landing Gear V's covered.
Oshkosh Video
Written by Brent Humphreys
Saturday, 08 August 2009 07:59
Here is a good video from Oshkosh 2009. If you didn't make it, you missed a wonderful show.
August Meeting
Written by Phylis White
Sunday, 02 August 2009 18:00
After the July meeting when we planned an August cookout at the Allen's hangar, we finally realized it would make life a little easier to have the cookout at the chapter hangar instead. No moving tables and chairs to their hangar and the chapter hangar is air-conditioned.
Meet at the chapter hangar at 10 am, carpool to David & Lisa Johnson's out CC Hwy, West Plains to view progress on their Sonex, on to Brent & Erica Humphreys' (also in West Plains) to view their RV10 project, back to the chapter hangar by noon for brats, hotdogs and potluck, followed by the business meeting then on to the Allen's hangar for potluck desserts and to view progress on the Jenny. This won't exactly be a progressive dinner but we will be moving around. We hope everyone will be able to join in the fun.
Also, save the date: October 10, 2009 for the Jerry Smith Memorial Fly-In. More details later.
Pietenpol UPdate July 25
Written by Brent Humphreys
Sunday, 26 July 2009 18:20
Bill Ghan provides us with another Pietenpol update
Today two sides of the fuselage were covered. Also, all of the fuselage control surfaces are covered and taped. Varnishing has started on the left wing and aileron, two coats done.
Following Jay Dub’s fried chicken, potluck and homemade ice cream, the July 11, 2009 meeting was called to order by President Tom White with 33 members present.
A motion to approve the minutes as published on the new chapter web page was made by John DeRoos, second by Mike Vaughn and approved by membership present.
The Treasurer’s report as given by Jim Vokac was accepted. Motion by Al Grant, second by Mike White and approved by members present. The raffle continues for the biplane mailbox; $1 each or 7 for $5.
The Howell County News published a nice photo of the Pietenpol fuselage parade float from July 4th with Bill Ghan, Jerry Pfister, “Cleco” a.k.a. Cleo and Jack Richardson.
President White has received five suggested paint schemes for the Pietenpol. One member suggested we paint it Marine green and put a “Jarhead One’ on the side. Tom suggested we kick it back to the builders to decide on colors.
President White announced that yesterday, the 10th his employer, Fabick Cat is closing the West Plains store effective the 24th of this month.
Members Jerry Pfister and Jack Richardson are willing to transport the Pietenpol to Air Venture. A motion was made by Jim Vokac for the chapter to pay for fuel and camping for the crew, second by Fred Kalhoefer and approved by members. Arrangements for an enclosed trailer and vehicle to transport are in the works.
Phyllis White made a motion to appoint a committee to make plans for Oz Fall Fest, October 3rd, second by Jim Vokac. President suggested planning to be tabled and give members time to think about what we could do. Motion was withdrawn.
October 10th is our annual Open House. President White asked for a show of hands if members were interested in having an open house this year and a Jerry Smith Memorial Fly-In. There were no members opposed. A committee was formed consisting of Bill Ghan, Sandy Smith, Phyllis White and Tom White. A wedding is also planned for that date. Fred Kalhoefer and fiancée will be getting married on the new bridge that morning.
The new Young Eagle Logbooks have arrived. Sporty’s is offering free online ground school for any Young Eagle. They have a password assigned and may log in as often as necessary to complete the course. Prior Young Eagles are eligible for the course as well. Instructions are to contact the Young Eagle office with the date and pilot’s name if possible to be sent a password.
The next meeting will be August 8th. Phyllis White suggested a progressive dinner tour to members home’s with projects. However, with the Johnson’s absent, it would not be fair to make such plans without asking them first. After some discussion, a motion by Phyllis White, second by Brent Humphreys and approved by members is to visit the Johnson’s project if they are willing, then have a cookout/potluck at the Allen’s hangar. Clint and Brent Humphreys will have their project on display at the Allen’s hangar. Members are asked to bring a side dish and chair. The meeting time will be determined later.
The new website is very impressive. It is updated frequently. Pietenpol progress is documented every few work days. There is also a link to Flickr with additional photos. There is a link to the old web page with archives, etc.
Jim Vokac has received a brochure on Nicholas Beasley Aviation Museum, Marshall, Missouri. It has weekend hours. Mike Noonan has a towing machine for sale. Dwight Daugherty is selling his 172. A sale flyer is posted in the Pilot’s Lounge. There is hangar space available.
President White noted the above and beyond measures Berlin Batesel has taken to secure parts and supplies for the Pietenpol. He made trips to Illinois for supplies, Kansas City to pick up the engine and Rolla for the prop. A motion to reimburse him for fuel was made by Bob Brantley, second by Jerry Pfister and approved by members.
Bill Ghan asked the members to recognize Jack Richardson, 85 years old and present for practically every Pietenpol workday. Jack said he looked at each day as a new adventure and has appreciated the guys putting up with him being there to work.
A motion to adjourn was made by John Smith, second by Bob Brantley and approved by members present.
Last Updated on Thursday, 23 July 2009 08:25
Oshkosh News
Written by Brent Humphreys
Wednesday, 22 July 2009 10:22
I will be at EAA Airventure Oshkosh Sunday-Tuesday. I will attempt to post some highlights each day. Feel free to send me pictures and updates of what you are seeing at Oshkosh.
