EAA Chapter 1218

Following Irish themed potluck, the March 14, 2009 meeting was called to order by President White.  41 members and guests were present.

A motion made by Bill Ghan to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Bob Brantley was approved by membership present.

A motion to approve Treasurer Jim Vokac’s report was made by John DeRoos, seconded by Jerry Pfister and approved by membership present.  The $100 check to Eddie Morris was made as a memorial to his mother hit and killed in Pomona recently.  Eddie used to live on Lane Street, showed an interest in aviation, attended some meetings, breakfast at the hangar and flew several times.  He is now a teenager living with his grandparents.  A thank you card from the grandparents was read.  The money purchased a prepaid cell phone so they are able to be in contact with him at all times.  They thanked President White for remembering Eddie’s interest  in aviation.

Headquarters is asking for donations for a Founder’s Wing at Oshkosh.  President White has the information if anyone wishes to contribute.

Vice President Batesel suggested we forego an April meeting due to that date April 11, being the date to disassemble the Wright Flyer at Springfield-Branson National Airport.  The 11^th is the only date that fits into the airport personnel’s schedule.  The Flyer will be on the floor, once disassembled, the airport personnel will move it to the new hangar, and the members will reassemble for airport personnel to hang.  Members are expected at the airport by 5 PM.  He suggested meeting for a meal at Ryan’s on East Kearney at 4 PM and going on to the airport from there.  Ten members present volunteered to help Bill Ghan.  A motion to carpool leaving the hangar by 2:30, eat at Ryan’s 4PM and arrive at the airport by 5PM was made by Bill Ghan, seconded by Jim Vokac and approved by membership present.  Bring 7/16” wrenches.  Phyllis White will reserve the Ryan’s meeting room for 15-20 people.

Breakfast at Ron’s hangar will be the first and third Saturday of each month until further notice. 

The May meeting date and time were determined at the February meeting.  The meeting will be on May 2, 9 AM breakfast to allow members wishing to attend the Branson Air Show and MPA Annual Meeting on May 9.  A member has requested a time change to enable members to attend the Fort Leonard Wood fly-in breakfast on May 2.  President White asked for a show of hands of members wanting to fly-in to Fort Leonard.  No one raised their hand; therefore the meeting time will remain as voted on in February.  Jim Vokac and Eric Fremgen have volunteered to prepare the meal on May 2 instead of breakfast potluck.  They are planning pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs and sausage.

April 1 is State Aviation Day, Jefferson City.

A beautifully decorated Irish cake donated by the Tausworthes for the meal had not been cut.  It was suggested we raffle or auction it off.  Action to be taken later in the meeting.

President White turned the floor over to Bill Ghan.  Bill said we built the hangar with the idea of building a project and so far we have not had a project.  Eighty years ago a man named Bernie Pietenpol designed an airplane that was very basic in design.  It is a very simple airplane.  This year at Oshkosh they will be honoring the Pietenpol.  He would like the chapter to build one.  He thought it would get the group a lot of recognition and a good educational experience building one and taking to Oshkosh the end of July.  Cost of the airframe from Wick’s Aircraft is $4500.  We could do some scrounging for some the pieces and the engine would be the expensive part. We have an LLC since headquarters does not like chapters owning airplanes.  We would need to run it through the LLC.  When we are done with it, it should be a marketable airplane.  There are two versions the two place and single place.  It can use a number of different engines anywhere

from Model A Ford, Corvair, Votax.  So there are a lot of engine choices.  I someone had an old Continental lying around it would be an ideal engine. He thinks about ten people volunteering three days a week it could be done.  He used to teach college classes and would build in about three weeks.  We have about three months and with dedicated effort and some funds, that is his suggestion.  Phyllis White noted that EAA does not object to the chapter building an aircraft but that we are not allowed to own a flyable airplane.  When one gets to that stage, it would roll over to the LLC.  Someone asked about work schedule.  Bill said it could be broken up over three days and one day could be Saturday.   President White said that is an idea thrown out there.  He knows that he can hear a lot of negatives on it and can see some positives on it.  Mike Vaughn asked Bill if he had a preference on a motor.  Bill said we needed a committee to look in to this.  The Pietenpol is featured in the latest edition of Fly-Low.  Clint Allen said he knew where we could get a set of wheels to start with.  “It can’t be flown without wheels.”  Phyllis White looked up the plans from Bernard’s grandson.  Complete set is $180.  President White said what Bill is talking about has all the plans and pieces.  Bill also mentioned the Pietenpol could be built all wood or can have metal trusses.  President White appointed a committee consisting of Bill Ghan, Berlin Batesel and Bob Brantley to check into this and see what they can get.  There will be no April meeting so in May we could do a little discussion.  That will cut our timeframe down.  Let’s go ahead and check into it and we may have to vote over the internet.  Clint Allen reiterated where we could get the wheels and if we want to do it we need to get started soon.  He also knows where we can get some spruce wood and can help out in those areas but he is not very good at donating time he doesn’t have.   President White asked for a show of hands of those that could donate some time on this project during the week – Ron Weldon, Jerry Pfister, Bob Brantley, Jared Casebeer, Bill Ghan, Eric Fremgen, and Jim Lane.  Ray Fine mentioned Brent Humphries might want to help also.  President White said if it were late enough in the day, he would like to help.  Phyllis White asked if we should go ahead and vote on getting more into it now or wait until they do more research.  President White said we are in a catch22 wanting to know how much it will cost yet if we wait too long we are running out of time.  Clint Allen said there is no way we can know what it will cost because we will get donations.  We need to make up our minds to do it or not.  President White said strike while the iron is hot. 

Phyllis White asked what one is worth on resale.  Will we be able to recoupe the expense?  President White said let’s not even go there; let’s talk about the experience and camaraderie that we can have doing it.  That’s worth thousands; priceless.  Jim Vokac said a CD worth $5162.10 will be due May 26^th.   Jim Lane suggested we start on the airframe and work on getting the other pieces later.  Ray Fine asked if the plan was to take it to Oshkosh.  President White said that was the plan; it may not fly it might go by trailer.  President White said he was entertaining a motion.  Bill Ghan said since he brought it up he would make the motion that we build a Pietenpol, set the goal of having it done for Oshkosh and take it up there.  Second was by Jim Lane. None opposed.  (Applause).  President White said it tickled him to death that we are going to do something because if we continue the way we are going right now, we are going to die.  That is all there is to it.  We are going to get a project, we are going to work together, and we are going to accomplish something.

The Chapter has received a scholarship request from KaTrina Greene for Eli Greene, 16, Willow Springs High School.  Eli’s goal is to be an aeronautical engineer.  She is requesting assistance with the $870 cost of a Drury University Leadership Academy summer school leadership program for high school students.  She has received a pledge from her employer Air Evac for $435 and needs assistance with the remainder.  She sent copies of his latest report cards, his ACT scores, various academic, leadership and civic awards, his math instructor recommendation letter,  her 2008 tax forms and most recent pay stub as proof of their financial need.  Phyllis White has received donations from individuals totaling $120.  Clint Allen reminded the members we’ve always talked about helping youngsters out, not been very successful in the past finding kids wanting to do anything aviation related and since we have a live one we should talk real serious about helping.  Lisa Johnson pointed out the $315 still needed would only be for the program, not transportation to and from, snacks, etc.  Following some discussion a motion was made by Ron Weldon, seconded by Clint Allen and approved by membership present to donate the $315 difference.   President White said he honestly thinks “the Lord loves a cheerful

giver” and we will be rewarded for things like this.   We just can’t keep money and horde it up; you have to spread it out.   Bob Bohemier pointed out that we got a lot of our money because someone gave to us.  If individuals wish to contribute also, see Phyllis White.  Mike Vaughn suggested we donate the proceeds from the Irish cake auction as additional money to Eli.  Ron Weldon’s winning bid was $40.  He donated the cake back to be auctioned again; winning bid was $30 by Mike Vaughn.  Ray Fine said he would donate $5 to both winning bids.  Members also donated cash after the meeting. 

Bill Ghan, Bill Newton and Roddy Clark conducted a tour of the Mansfield Airport for 60 Head Start students from Mansfield and Grovespring.  Bill Ghan said he lifted everyone into the airplane to sit at the controls.  There is an article and photos in the March 12 addition of the Mansfield Mirror.

Phyllis White received a note from Sue L’Hommedieu regarding her upcoming back surgery.  She has been plagued with osteoarthritis for years and has fallen more than once on the ice this winter.

Henny Christensen reported she was asked to speak to students at the Whetstone Baptist Church.   She has promised them Young Eagle rides later this spring and will need assistance.

Airport Manager Jim Vokac invited members to the March 23 Willow Springs City Council meeting.  The request to name the airport drive Jerry Smith Way should be on the agenda.  President White announced the autopsy results on Jerry have finally been released.  He died of a heart attack 20 minutes prior to the crash.

A very enjoyable program on aerobatic regulations, maneuvers and terminology was presented by Clint and Marge Allen.  Members were given “sticks” to simulate the aerobatic moves diagramed on the posters provided by the Allens.  After demonstrating several aerobatic maneuvers, Clint said what he wanted each pilot to take away from the demonstration was “if you enter an unintentional spin you probably are already behind the airplane.  Turn loose of the stick; do get on the rudder and stop the rotation of the airplane and it will recover.  This is not just his idea but the Burgess method of spin recovery.”

A motion to adjourn was made by Eric Fremgen, seconded by Mike White and approved by membership present. 

Members in attendance:

Clint & Marge Allen, Ben & Onalee Andre, Berlin Batesel, Lynn Bentele, Bob & Kate Bohemier, Bob & Janet Brantley, Jared Casebeer,  Henny Christensen, John DeRoos, Ray Fine, Eric Fremgen, Bill Ghan, Fred Kalhoefer, Jim & Debra Lane,  Donna May, Shannon North, Jerry Pfister, Mike, Sharon and Jeff Vaughn, Jim & Judy Vokac, Ron & Cindy Weldon, Mike White, , Tom & Phyllis White Sarah Wittenauer.