May 6th, 2009 meeting

The meeting should have started with our normally great hamburger/hotdog/ Chili Bar-B-Q at 6:00. Instead, our illustrious President Ben Hallert brought in a Mexican fiesta (Cinco De Mayo being only a day before) that was enjoyed by all. [ed: Bill Dewey provided tacos tacos tacos!  I brought the enchiladas – Ben] Ben also invited his friend Blandon Ray, a pilot with a commercial multi-engine rating, who was looking to get back into aviation. Good eats and conversation- as usual!

Meeting called to order at 7:05 PM by President Ben Hallert. V.P. Bill Dewey and Sec./Tres. Randy Stout were also present. The 18 members and guests in attendance then introduced themselves. During introductions, Doug Kindred mentioned that long time member Walt Weischedel has sold his RV-4 kit, just in time to fall down and break a hip. For those of you who know Walt, you are probably thinking that his crotch rocket motorcycle was the culprit. Although he was on a ride when it happened, he was off the bike and looking at the elk near Reedsport while standing on the platform. He should be up and around by next meeting.

Sec./Treas. Randy Stout reminded the group about the clubs need for a new TV and microphone setup. Ben offered to research a new projection TV system that will use our existing pull down screen.

Bill Dewey brought up for discussion the cover for the patio area. Suggestions to cover the 12×16 area are now being finalized with an acrylic type of cover on a framework. Brent Burgess suggested we send a letter to Shelly describing the “repair” of the canopy, so that she can forward it on to the city.

We have changed the breakfast from the 2^nd Saturday to the 3^rd. Saturday so that we would not conflict with the Independence group, and that they might find that Creswell is a great place to fly out to for breakfast. The next breakfast is on the 16th of May. Daniel Cathy has notified Bill Boyd’s email about this breakfast and it has shown up in his email notification.

Secretary Stout noted that dues are due again. Please see him at the meeting or mail your $25 to EAA Chapter 31, 86277 Panorama Rd., Springfield, OR  97478

Several members of the group went to the Eugene airport and retrieved George and Vivian Oswald Challenger II. Discussion was held revolving around the sale or repairing of the airplane by our group. Randy has received from EAA national an exemption that was requested for this airplane to allow it to be an LSA. Final decisions and a more thorough review of the project will start at the breakfast meeting on the 16^th.

It was noted that sister chapter 1457 in Eugene has a new president, Skip Lawson and a new web site. Our group was also asked if we wanted to hold the September 12^th, YE event in conjunction with them at Creswell. Most in attendance saw no problem. Dave Petersen suggested that he will take on the advertising for this event.

Charley also noted that Synergy Air will be hosting an open house on Saturday the 9^th at 10:00 AM at the old Friendly Air hangar to show the RV-12. A lunch will also be served. Should be a great chance to see the bird up close and fly it.

It was also noted with some sadness that Steve Wolf has decided to move to Florida in September. He will be missed both for his expertise and his enthusiasm. Our best wishes for him whatever comes his way!

Past President Brent Burgess gave a proud papa report that his son Caleb has received his private pilots license. Good work- wish more kids would take up this challenge!

Ben Hallert then related an entertaining story of his recent trip to the Zenith factory in Mexico, Missouri. He was able to tour the factory and much impressed by their business and busyness. He is looking at the 750, which sports pre-drilled holes and a 400 hr. estimated build time. It uses an 0-200 engine and is LSA compliant. The complete airframe kit is $18,000.

There being no new business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 and a brief workshop by Rod Johnson was held on magneto dismantling and inspection. He brought in a magneto and proceeded to show everyone the ins and outs of magneto construction. Thanks Rod, great job!

Next time program:

June- Challenger II project- repair-restore-assemble and sell?

Respectfully submitted,

Randall Stout

Secretary/ Treasurer

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