Meeting Minutes from the 2/4/2015 meeting

EAA Chapter 31 Meeting, February 4^th, 2015

The dinner portion of the meeting started at 6:00 PM hosted by the wonderful Virgil and Bridget Pratt. There was pulled pork and salad along with 2 types of brownies and cookies and  chips with a drink for only $5. Wow- and you just wait until next time. We will have a spaghetti feast!!

The business and entertainment portion of the meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by President Gary Ludeke, (V.P. John Kuehl was out) and Secretary / Treasurer Randy Stout present.

There were 19 members in attendance. No guests this time, as all had joined as members!! Thanks to Bill Johnson for forgiving me on not remembering his name!!

Walt Weischedel spent time this last month sweeping and mopping the clubhouse (Thanks Walt!). He and the Secretary are suggesting that we get rid of a bunch on unused furniture and fixtures and buy a few items to make the clubhouse more accommodating. That list is as follows:

Items to Dispose of:                                       Items to Acquire

2 Gas Grills                                                          4 Better Couches

Bookcase w/ old magazines                        Table for cooking from Tom C.

Big Work Table                                                 Cabinet for cleaning supplies

Simulator                                                            Range Hood

2 Saw Horses                                                     2 New electrical circuits for new cook area

2 old couches                                                    Cabinet for Pop and other supplies

Coffee Maker w/o heat pad                        Re-Design floor plan of clubhouse

Magazines on floor in boxes

Extension cords in rafters

These items will be discussed and voted on at the next meeting.

Dave Heisley noted that the water will be turned off for a period of time in order to continue with his rights as water master to Chapter 31.

Pat Dotson has received a group of tools that were donated to Chapter 31 by Ron Rinaldi, and he has assessing their value at around $600. He then offered to purchase them for $300. Virgil Pratt questioned why we couldn’t make them available to the club on a loan basis. The Secretary spoke about the past attempt at this program, and the lack of success we had with it. As with most programs and projects, when we have a sparkplug individual who will run it, good things can and do often happen. Without this person, most ideas never get off the ground, or fail in the end.

The floor was opened up for other bids, and none being received, it was agreed to sell them to him at this price.

Next Chapter breakfast is February 21^st  at the clubhouse. $5 for an all you can eat breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, OJ, coffee and camaraderie!! Starts at 9:00 and runs to about 10:30 or so. Virgil Pratt has offered to oversee this breakfast, but due to Bridget having to be gone, asked for volunteers to help cook. He got several volunteers, including Tom Cunningham, Allen Weider and Rod Johnson. Come and bring your appetite!!

The President then asked for a Treasurers report, which was as follows: The club now has a balance of $3354.80 in the checkbook, with no outstanding debts. 50 paid or life members as of 12/31/14

President Gary then gave his “State of the Chapter” address. He first He noted that we have accomplished many things last year and hopes we can do the same this year. Specifically he mentioned that we flew 93 Young Eagles on July 4^th (with hopes that we will do this again this year),  purchased and installed a new entry gate, helped get the Mural on the FBO refurbished, got the “Buy a Brick” program off and running (by the way, we need a few more bricks to be bought in order for the next batch to be produced) and finished the memorial area for these bricks, helped mow the Creswell airport grass (thanks Tom!), promoted the chapter via Newspaper articles and responses to letters to the editor, Hosted the League of Cities group and the Coffee and Cars group at the clubhouse and had a joint Christmas party with chapter 1457. Also, we now have the Quiet Birdmen (QB’s) using the clubhouse monthly along with the South Lane Modelers who use it on the 3^rd  Monday of the month.

In addition to all these activities, we had several very interesting speakers at the meetings, including Dick Hyman- a WWII and Korea pilot, Tony and Shawn from Specialty Aero, Harry Anderson- around the world flyer, Dr. Hansen, the DME, Ron Rinaldi and his WW1 replica airplane project, and Jim Showker with his exotic airplane. Wow! This has been a fun year!

For the coming year, Virgil Pratt suggested that we get several of the members to give a presentation on the fun and frustration of their current or just past project. (A “What went wrong and how I fixed it” kind of talk), Dave Eason liked the “Make a Tool” program and hopes that we will continue with that, and also invite an instructor to give the whole group an airspace refresher. President Gary thought a spot landing and flour bombing event would be fun (and he will look into the insurance requirement before proceeding)

All these ideas will be worked on and talked about during the next few weeks, and we should have a great list of ideas we can enjoy during this next year. Thanks to everyone for contributing!!

There being no other business, the President then played the EAA Monthly Magazine on the Video projector. This one featured Balloons and cylinder valve diagnosis. Very interesting and great photography!

The meeting was then adjourned at 8:22 pm
respectfully submitted, Randall Stout, Secretary/ Treasurer

A new way to carry an old transport method

A pilot in New Zealand (there’s a NEW Zealand now?) has come up with a novel way to carry bicycles on his Cessna 185.  He’s fabricated bicycle racks that attach to the bottom of the wing and carries them like ecologically-sound munitions.

The most interesting part of this may be that he’s somehow gotten it approved by his Civil Aviation Authority.

More information is available here:  http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11393286

Meeting Minutes from 1/7/2015 meeting

EAA Chapter 31 Meeting, January 7^th, 2015

The dinner portion of the meeting started at 6:00 PM hosted by our newest and most active members, Virgil and Bridget Pratt. There were Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, salad and homemade chili and brownies along with chips with a drink for only $5. Wow- you just wait until next time. We will have Pulled Pork!!

The business and entertainment portion of the meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by  V.P. John Kuehl (President Gary Ludeke was out with pneumonia!) and Secretary / Treasurer Randy Stout present.

There were 22 members and guests in attendance. Among the guests was our speaker for the night and Chapter 1457’s past President John Stahr.

VP Kuehl then read a recent letter to the editor that appeared in the Creswell Chronicle that was very negative about the airport and its residents. He proceeded to read a rebuttal letter to the editor by our own President Gary Ludeke that spoke very well of the airport and our group, and invited the offensive letter writer to have lunch with him and discuss it. He even offered him an airplane ride. We can only assume that the door would stay shut during the entire flight!!

Dave Heisley then spoke to the group and said that he would be happy to continue maintaining the grounds but that we need to remove the snow fence so that he doesn’t have to fight it each time. He also noted that the water will be turned off for a period of time in order to continue with his rights as water master to Chapter 31.

The members were asked if they could bring a list of tools that they may be able to loan out to fellow members when they need them. Pat Dotson has received a group of tools that were donated to Chapter 31 by Ron Rinaldi, and he will be assessing their value. We will offer them up for sale to the highest bidder next month using Pat’s appraisal as a fair market price.

Walt Weischedel asked if we could clean up the clubhouse and get rid of a bunch on unused furniture and fixtures. A complete list will be posted to the web site later.

Next Chapter breakfast is January 17th at the clubhouse. $5 for an all you can eat breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, OJ, coffee and camaraderie!! Starts at 9:00 and runs to about 11:00 or so. This breakfast meeting will last a bit longer because the OACAC will be using the clubhouse for their meeting and will be coming for breakfast prior to the meeting. Virgil and Bridget Pratt have offered to oversee this breakfast, and we had a few hands go up offering to be of help. Come and bring your appetite!!

There being no other business, the meeting then hosted our speaker of the night, John Stahr, who gave us a very nice power point presentation of the artistic work he has accomplished in 2014. Needless to say, it was very entertaining and had a WOW factor!! Thanks John for helping out a sister chapter!!

The meeting was then adjourned at 8:25 pm
respectfully submitted, Randall Stout, Secretary/ Treasurer

Meeting Minutes from the 11/05/2014 meeting

EAA Chapter 31 Meeting, November 5th, 2014

The dinner portion of the meeting started at 6:00 PM (With Pulled Pork!!!).  Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, salad and chips with a drink and dessert for only $5.

The business and entertainment portion of the meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by President Gary Ludeke with V.P. John Kuehl and Secretary / Treasurer Randy Stout present.

There were 20 members and guests in attendance. Among the guests were past member Spencer Whitted, who has been living in Poland. He had been building a Volmer Sportsman before the move. Additionally, we hosted our speaker of the night, Dick Hyman, or “SuperJew” as was his call name during the war.

Gary asked Rusty Bartel to speak about his experience while attending the LSA Inspector/Repair person workshop at Mulino on October 3^rd and 4^th This workshop allowed him to certify his experimental LSA for flight each year. It was put on by Rainbow Aviation, a very professional group of teachers and repair people.

Dave Petersen then asked for the floor to announce that, after this month’s breakfast, he and his wife Melinda will no longer be the breakfast/lunch crew. He felt that he has reached the point of “no fun” and wants to step back until he feels the fun factor return to his work with the club. He will also stay over after the meeting to show anyone with an interest how to run the video projector and computer. He was given a round of applause for all his years of service, and thanked by every member. Like the true gentleman he is, he gave us 2 months to find a replacement instead of springing it on the club the week before. Thanks Dave from me personally and all of us in Chapter 31. You will be missed whenever you are not here!!

That being said, Gary needs to find a volunteer with a cooking talent for doing breakfasts and an occasional lunch this next year. Anyone with an interest and/or talent is asked to contact him on this matter.

Gary also noted that we will be meeting together with chapter 1457 for the Christmas party, this year to be held on December 6^th at John Starr’s business Starr Design Studio. Also, there will not be a December Breakfast as is the norm for December.

Dave Eason then told the group that he has installed 3 of the “buy a brick” bricks and burned off the weeds in the Memorial area. Thanks Dave!!

Gary has offered the use of the clubhouse for the Oregon League of Small Cities to meet on November 14^th. All EAA chapter 31 members are encouraged to attend from 11:00AM till 2:00PM. There will be a catered lunch.

Next Chapter breakfast is November 15^th at the clubhouse. $5 for an all you can eat breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, OJ, coffee and camaraderie!! Starts at 9:00 and runs to about 10:30 or so. Come and bring your appetite!!

There being no other business, the meeting then hosted our speaker of the night, Colonel Dick Hyman, Ret. AF, who recounted several stories (some of which were true he noted!!) of his adventures during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. The group was held spellbound by this 90+ year old gentleman. The years have done little to dispel his energy, memory or ability to tell a great story!! He ended his career with over 8000 hours, of which 1600 were in combat. He flew P-38’s, P-51’s and an impressive array of jet fighters and bombers. We will truly be fortunate to have Dick come again and share more of his very interesting life. The time flew- we want another mission!!

The meeting was then adjourned at 8:35 pm
respectfully submitted,

Randall Stout, Secretary/ Treasurer

Meeting Minutes from the 10/2/2014 meeting

EAA Chapter 31 Meeting, October 2nd , 2014

The dinner portion of the meeting started at 6:00 PM (With Sandy Ludeke’s  now famous chili).  Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, salad and chips with a drink and dessert for only $5. (*see more about the menu in the minutes)

The business and entertainment portion of the meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by President Gary Ludeke with V.P. John Kuehl and Secretary / Treasurer Randy Stout present. Dave Petersen went home early not feeling well, but set up and cooked the dinner as he normally does. President Ludeke began by asking all to stand and recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

There were 23 members and guests in attendance. Among the guests were Jim Walker, a nurse at the hospital with a real interest in aviation, Mike Tracey, a salesman at Roverson Ford and Diraya Torigian, EAA # 423423 who is doing a quick build project. We also had Bill Johnson join the group as our newest member. He is originally from Simi Valley , CA.

Pres. Ludeke then mentioned that the Creswell Cronicle did an article on the re-painting of the Creswell Airport mural (which is nearly complete). They also did an article on the “Buy a Brick” program, with Gary holding up a brick, but with an unfortunately worded T-shirt in the background. Ask him about it.

Gary suggested that everyone who hasn’t seen the fuselage for Tony’s new road-able airplane exit the building and check it out while we still had daylight. Tony had parked it up front of the clubhouse. Most of the folks in attendance did take a peak, and in about 15 minutes, the group was called back to order.

Gary also asked for a show of hands for those who will be attending the LSA Inspector/Repair person workshop at Mulino on October 3^rd and 4^th which will cost $375.  This workshop will allow you to certify your experimental LSA for flight each year. It is being put on by a very professional group of teachers and repair people. Several people raised their hands.

*Although Tom Cunningham had asked last month if we could vary the menu a bit month to month, Gary was not able to find a volunteer with a cooking talent for doing so this month. His wife’s Chili was a great treat, but he is hoping for a more radical change in the menu for next month. Anyone with an interest or talent are asked to contact him on this matter.

Randy gave an update on the “Buy a Brick” program. 2 people have purchased bricks and paid, and he was able to show the first bricks that are ready for installation. He asked Dave Eason if he would install them, and Dave agreed to get it done. He reminded the group that if we purchase 4 bricks at a time, we will not be charged the $19.95 fee for less than 4.

Next Chapter breakfast is October 18^th (a special birthday for someone in the group) at the clubhouse. $5 for an all you can eat breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, OJ, coffee and camaraderie!! Starts at 9:00 and runs to about 11:00 or so. Come and bring your appetite!!

There being no other business, the meeting then hosted our speaker of the night, Tony Horvath from Specialty Aero, who also brought in a guest to help with the presentation, Sean Van Hatten. They showed a nice group of aircraft parts that they manufacture at the North end of the airport and a new covering system that they are having some success with on the low airspeed birds. Very interesting look at his business and Sean did a good job helping Tony. Thanks to both of them!!

The meeting was then adjourned at 8:15 pm
respectfully submitted,

Randall Stout, Secretary/ Treasurer

Meeting Minutes from 9/3/2014 Meeting

EAA Chapter 31 Meeting, September 3^rd , 2014

The dinner portion of the meeting started at 6:00 PM (Without Melinda Petersen’s famous chili).  Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, salad and chips with a drink and dessert for only $5. (*see more about the menu in the minutes)

The business and entertainment portion of the meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by President Gary Ludeke with V.P. John Kuehl and Secretary / Treasurer Randy Stout present.  President Ludeke began by asking all to stand and recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

There were 22 members and guests in attendance. Among the guests were Bob Lackey Elder. and Jr., Dean Gromley (traveling around the country in his motorhome), Roger Rush (he helps mow the airport grass) and our speaker of the evening Harry Anderson.

Pres. Ludeke then mentioned that the re-painting of the Creswell Airport mural was nearly complete. He said that Betty Wright paid for this work, as the mural relates to her late husband, Jim. It was suggested that we and Shelly from the Creswell Airport send her a note of thanks.

He also noted that there will be an LSA Inspector/Repair person workshop at Mulino on October 3^rd and 4^th which will cost $375.  This workshop will allow you to certify your experimental LSA for flight each year. It is begin put on by a very professional group of teachers and repair people. Sign up is necessary before the school.

*Tom Cunningham then asked if we could vary the menu a bit month to month. He noted that past President Ben Hallert had a Taco night and an Italian night, which he would like to see brought back. It was suggested that he get together with Dave Petersen, our defacto food guru, and work out a menu. Secretary Stout said that the club would be happy to pay for the ingredients, but please notify him ahead so that we can mention it in the club newsletter.

Randy gave an update on the “Buy a Brick” program. 2 people have purchased bricks and paid, but we have not received the bricks yet. Randy has sent the check for the bricks and put a check for 47.50 into the treasury as profit from the 2 bricks. In the future, if we purchase 4 bricks at a time, we will not be charged the $19.95 fee for less than 4. He is looking forward to showing the bricks at the next meeting and then having them installed. It was suggested that Randy print up some “Buy a Brick” applications to put in the airport lounge for the folks who drop by and want to commemorate someone this way.

Next Chapter breakfast is September 20^th at the clubhouse. $5 for an all you can eat breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, OJ, coffee and camaraderie!! Starts at 9:00 and runs to 11:00 or so. Come and bring your appetite!!

There being no other business, the meeting then hosted Harry Anderson, founder of EDX Wireless and  the pilot who has flown around the world and to the South Pole (He tried in 2013 and had to turn back. He finally made it this year!!). He gave a very exciting slide presentation on his trips. The only word that the club could say was “WOW” He was invited back to share more of his trips as he makes them.

After much applause, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm
respectfully submitted,

Randall Stout, Secretary/ Treasurer

EAA CHAPTER 31 HONOR PLAZA BRICKS

First of all, I want to apologize for taking so long to get our Honor Plaza brick sale going! Bill Dewey and Ron Rinaldi put out a great effort to get this thing going and then I dropped the ball!! Well, the time has come to start filling in the walkway with memorial bricks. Randy Stout purchased a brick though the website awhile ago and determined that the process works.

As you all know, Chapter 31 has been working for quite some time to develop the Honor Plaza. The purpose of this garden is twofold. One purpose is to honor those persons who had any involvement with with the Creswell Airport community and have now, in the words of the EAA national organization:

“GONE WEST – NOT ALONE INTO THE SUNSET BUT INTO THE COMPANY OF FRIENDS WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE THEM.”

Another purpose is to recognize and honor those persons or organizations who have been or are currently active in a positive way at the Creswell Airport.

The plaza is located immediately north of the large hangar building on the main ramp of the airport. The plaza is comprised of a grassy area where persons with EAA an Airport Administration approval may place memorial monuments, and a brick path where engraved memorial bricks may be placed. The memorial bricks are available in two sizes, standard and double-size. The standard size bricks are intended to be engraved with just the person’s or organization’s name. The double-size bricks can have the person’s or organization’s name and a second line for other information such as dates that the donor chooses. The larger bricks are also suitable for a name and a simple sketch such as an airplane silhouette. The cost of a standard brick is $50.00 and a double-size brick is $100.00. Bricks can be ordered directly from the engraver by going to the website below:

www.polarengraving.com/EAAChapter31.

When you receive your brick, please contact me (541-895-2667) or just bring the brick to our regular meeting or Saturday breakfast and I’ll see that the brick is installed in the walkway in a position of your choosing.

The Honor Plaza is not just for EAA members so please let those who you think might be interested in buying a brick to either go to the Polar Engraving website or call me for more information.

President Gary

Meeting Minutes from 7/2/2014 Meeting

EAA Chapter 31 Meeting, July 2nd, 2014

The dinner portion of the meeting started at 6:00 PM (Without Melinda Petersen’s famous chili).  Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, salad and chips with a drink and dessert  (Lots of cookies this month!!) for only $5.

The business and entertainment portion of the meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM by President Gary Ludeke with Secretary / Treasurer Randy Stout also present. V.P. John Kuehl was absent.  President Ludeke began by asking all to stand and recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

There were 17 members and guests in attendance.

Ron Rinaldi was unable to attend to update the “Buy a Brick” program, but should be with us next meeting.

Next Chapter breakfast is July 19th at the clubhouse. $5 for an all you can eat breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, OJ, coffee and camaraderie!! Starts at 9:00 and runs to 11:00 or so. Come and bring your appetite!!

Our August meeting will be a recap of the July 4^th activities, catch up on member happenings and an interesting video. In September, we will be hosting Harry Anderson, the pilot who has flown around the world and to the South Pole. He has a very nice presentation that he will be sharing about his adventures. Don’t miss it!!

President Gary then spoke to the club about our participation in Creswell’s July 4^th celebrations. We have 10 aircraft and pilots available for YE flights this year. He then read articles by the Creswell Cronicle and the newsletter put into all the City of Creswell bills. He noted that the Av-Gas supplier to Creswell Airport will be donating $500 worth of fuel to the YE planes, and Ken Schmidt will find a fun way to divide it up among the group. The plan is for pilots of planes that will be flying over the parade or on YE flights to meet at 10:00 in the clubhouse for a briefing. Food will be served during the day.

Tom Cunningham reported that the Oregon Aviation Historical Society had their first “Wings and Wheels” gathering in Cottage Grove last weekend. It was a big success with approximately 1000 people attending.

Doug Kindred noted that the Oregon Air Tour starts on July 19^th ( Just after breakfast?) in Cottage Grove and Gary will be attending in lieu of a cross country trip he was planning. (Something about softball sized hailstones leaving the wrong impression on him and his airplane!!)

President Gary then gave out some awards to two of our members. To Tom Cunningham, Gary gave a bumper sticker that says “Caution, this car stops at all airports” for his help with the mowing and coordinating the display of his airplane during the July 4^th parade.  To Virgil and Bridget Pratt he presented a Cessna belt buckle for their help with supplying a tow vehicle for the parade and allowing Gary to go on YE flights by covering his duties. Thanks to these folks, and everyone who is working so hard to make this event fun and safe.

Dave Petersen noted that we have EAA National insurance in place for this event.

Rusty Bartel then gave a brief “Craftsman Corner” presentation on “Hardman” epoxy that he acquired from the United R.A.T. Rocket works, where he used to work. It sets up in 3-5 minutes and is very durable.

We then asked all in attendance to grab a mop, broom, vacuum or rags and help clean the clubhouse. I am not sure this form of entertainment is going to catch on, but it did accomplish wonders. Thanks to everyone who got dirty to make the place less so.

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm
respectfully submitted,

Randall Stout, Secretary/ Treasurer