Meeting Minutes from 10/7/2015 meeting

EAA Chapter 31 Meeting, October 7th, 2015
The dinner portion of the meeting started at 6:00 PM hosted by the wonderful Virgil and Bridget Pratt. There were hamburgers, Costco hot dogs, chips, Bridget’s wonderful chili, cookies and a drink for only $5. As always, I ate too much!!

The business and entertainment portion of the meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by President Gary Ludeke, with V.P. John Kuehl and Secretary / Treasurer Randy Stout also present. There were 20 members and guests in attendance.

Before the pledge of allegiance, President Gary asked everyone for a moment of silence to remember Hal and Milo Skinner. After the Pledge, one guest in attendance raised his hand. We hosted Casey Baker, an old South Eugene Classmate of mine(actually one year ahead). He is building a Zenith 750 and has some machine shop connections (he works for Cascade Plating and Machine). Welcome Casey, hope to see you at all the meetings!

President Gary then read the NTSB preliminary report on the Skinner accident. Discussion followed on how this may have been prevented, but no one knew the exact reason for the accident, so no conclusions were made on this particular crash.

He then noted that the Aurora airport will have a tower for much of the day starting on October 15th. Frequencies are TWR-120.35, GND- 119.15, ATIS- 118.525. He also noted that the new Creswell AWOS will be on 119.275 when it begins operation, slated for the end of November.

The next topic was the very sudden and unexpected change in airspace around the Salem Airport. The expanded Class D airspace puts Independence and many other smaller fields in a bad position for airplane operations. AOPA stepped into this matter, and it appears that the FAA is now ready to modify it again, this time with input from the stakeholders on the ground.

Secretary Stout then mentioned that we have a new toilet in one of our restrooms (thanks to Alan Weiders handiness), and with membership approval, will order a 2nd one. The primary reason is saving on water, and reliability (in the past, the valve has stuck and the water was running all night). He noted that past member Dave Heisley’s house is for sale, and the club has benefited from Dave’s generosity with the water from his well. We would like to be a good neighbor to the new owners and make sure that our water using appliances are up to date and reliable.

The Honor Garden was the next item of discussion. Dave Eason put in 7 new engraved bricks, and took it upon himself to clean up and landscape a lot of the area, and put in brick circles. Thanks Dave from everyone!! Bill Dewey wants the club to purchase a flag pole, and install it with lights to fly all day and night. He was asked to come up with a budget and we will review and probably approve this addition. Thanks Bill!

Speaking of membership activity outside of the meetings and meals, a fine group of volunteers consisting of Bill Dewey, Jim Beale, Gary Ludeke, Tom Cunningham and Charlie Walker helped Shelly Humble with painting of the runway stripes. This is a huge job, not yet complete, but many thousands of square feet have been painted. Thanks from all the pilots who use Creswell Airport!!

It was noted that member Ray Morse finally got his Acroduster into the air after an astonishing 42 years work (interrupted many time as you might expect) First flight took place on 10/3 with Shaun Van Hatten at the controls. It flew well with only a few minor squawks. Congratulations Ray!!

President Gary then spoke about the RV-3 project. Alan Weider has been working on the Horizontal Stabilizer. Virgil Pratt is now working on the Canopy. Dave Eason is getting the welding done on the engine mount (what else does Dave do except club projects??!!) The project is moving along well, and Gary will contact Van’s for some help on the upcoming paint job.

Next Chapter breakfast is Saturday, October 17th. Come out to the clubhouse in the AM and pay $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. Bridget Pratt said that she would not be there, so she asked again for volunteers. Gary, Tom, Bill and Alan will coordinate getting the breakfast going. Thanks to everyone who makes this special time a priority.

President Gary then noted that he has printed out an article he found on the Cessna Birddog and its work in Vietnam.

Secretary Stout then noted that we need to open the nominations for Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer. He suggested that any who would be willing to serve in this capacity (and as President in 2 years as is our custom), please make this known to him or another officer of the club. If you are going to nominate someone else, please ask them first if they would accept, and if so, feel free to bring their name forward at the next meeting. We will discuss the nominations in November, and a vote will be taken then. The first duty of the incoming President (John Kuehl) and new VP will be to co-ordinate the Christmas party with Chapter 1457.

There being no other business, President Gary asked Ray Morse to show some videos of his airplanes first flight and landing. After a few technical glitches, we got a nice show. Thanks again Ray!!

There being no other business, Gary presented the EAA National chapter video magazine.

The meeting was then adjourned at 8:56 pm
respectfully submitted, Randall Stout, Secretary/ Treasurer

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