The September chapter meeting had fewer attendees than usual. Andrew Barth gave an interesting talk about his work at the Air & Space in DC this summer. Working from computer scans, the team of which he was a part produced a replica of the Apollo 11 capsule door, made of various modern plastics, for public display.
VMC and IMC Club
Bill Hurley and Carl Wilbur have been organizing the IMC Club meetings, with presentations handled by Kent Lynch and Tom O'Toole. Kent provided an update:
The IMC Club met Sunday, September 8 at the EAA hangar. In addition to the normal topics of discussion, Carl Wilbur and Bill Hurley discussed the fly-out to Alton, IL for lunch. Four planes made the flight and lunch was enjoyed by all. We also discussed the November 5 presentation by the Garmin rep at Byerly. It should be noted that all chapter members are invited to this event, and we are requesting that if there are any specific questions on Garmin equipment, they should be forwarded to Kent Lynch prior to the meeting, so we can let the rep know in advance what topics would be appreciated. The next meeting of the IMC Club will be Sunday, October 13 at 6 PM at the EAA hangar.
IMC Club lunch at Alton
The next VMC Club meeting is this Sunday, 10/6, in the hangar. The presentation from Pilot Workshop is The Impossible Go-Around?:
You've got the whole family on board for a great weekend by the ocean. However, the landing attempt on a runway that's short and obstructed didn't go so well. Now you have only a second to decide if an attempted go-around will safely clear the trees—or result in a catastrophe."
Youth Programs
News from Jayson, the chapter's Ray scholarship recipient:
I have been taking lots of practice tests on Gleim and have been getting scores in the range that I would like. It has been difficult to fly these last couple of weeks only because of the erratic weather, so I am hoping to do my daytime cross country soon.
Regarding the Ray scholarship, if any of the $10,000 remains after he receives his license, $1500 may be used by him for additional flying. What is to be done with any amount beyond that has not been decided by National.
As mentioned last month, the board agreed to send $500 to the Allen Memorial fund at Marshall Co with the hope kids there would be a source of Ray Scholarship candidates at our chapter. The following was received in reply:
Please extend our gratitude to the EAA Chapter members and officers for their very generous donation of $500 to the Charlie Allen Memorial Scholarship Fund which is being administered by the Marshall County Flyers. We have two young men currently taking advantage of our scholarship and they are doing well. Without this scholarship one and maybe both would not have the opportunity to learn to fly.
Teri Brandt, from the Flight Club at Dunlap High School, plans to bring a few of the Club leaders to a chapter breakfast and has asked about Young Eagles flights for them and others in the Club.
Treasury
Treasury noted we are $6500 over budget in income due to $4000 from the B-17 and $2500 from the sale of a donated, unfinished kit airplane. Some of this has been moved to long term investments, our "endowment." Expenses are also ahead of budget due to the greater spending on youth programs which the income permitted, including the trip to the OSH Air Academy and the Marshall County youth flight fund. There are 67 paid memberships.
National
The new Builder's Log service was described in the last Chapter Video. It's free to use to member's of the EAA. From it, one can view other projects in the area, but there's not much there as yet.
The video also described their tool crib program. It's for 30% (up to $300) for new tools bought to be shared at the chapter. They mentioned bending brakes and other tools. The fund has $30,000 total.
Besides the Ray, EAA has a number of scholarships for kids of various ages and desires.
National has announced that each Young Eagle flight will now generate $5 to chapter funds:
EAA announced at AirVenture 2019 that the pilot requirement of achieving 10 Young Eagles flights before earning any Young Eagles credits has been removed. Starting with flights in 2019, all Young Eagles flights earn Young Eagles credits for the pilot's chapter of record.
The standard amount of $5 per credit will remain. This means that any pilot who, for example, flies eight Young Eagles will earn eight credits ($40 worth) for his or her local EAA chapter.
Lastly, the Ray Scholarship program is being expanded for next year:
Building off the success of year one, the Ray Foundation has upped its commitment of $1 million dollars to $1.2 million dollars in 2020. With this increase in funding, the program will be undergoing a few minor changes, which will be announced in an upcoming full program overview.
Any chapter interested in participating in the program for 2020 can apply beginning on November 1, 2019. This includes chapters currently participating, chapters that were wait-listed for 2019, and chapters that have not yet been approved.
Breakfasts
Tammy, the friendly gal who runs the mower and seemingly everything else around the field, is away due to a serious illness. The board has approved charging $20 per adult for the breakfast October 19 (third Saturday) to raise funds for her. All tenants on the field at 3MY will also receive an invitation. The hours will be expanded, from 8:00 to 10:00 that week.
Elections
A nominating committee to prepare a slate of candidates for the November election was not organized. No volunteers jumped up at the September meeting. Tentatively, last year's directors will be asked to serve another term.
Hangar
The WiFi repeater in the hangar failed and a new one has been replaced. The new network name and password are posted in the bulletin board.
It was decided to keep for now the Hounshell collection as a lending library. A PDF catalog of the collection is found here.
Tim Coverstone's RV will come to the hangar in October. Marty Martin's twin will swap places with his single, both to make more room and to placate the Airport.
The chapter laptop has not been heavily used by the treasurer, and it will now replace the old, donated laptop used at VMC Club meetings. The old laptop's battery is dead.
A Minnesota company which specializes in exhaust systems for experimental aircraft (and custom cars) sent a box of their fliers to the chapter. You can pick up one in the hangar, or you can visit their web site for more information. They can do cabin muffs, and ceramic coating of components is an option.
Members
At 3MY's small Open House, Linda Schumm showed up with Illinois Airport Directories from IDOT, the first since 2003. She offered to obtain more, and Ron Wright secured six cases of the 2018/19 Directories. He has delivered one each to the airports in Pekin, Canton, Yates City, and Kewanee. Rob Meyer will deliver one to Marshall County. The final case will be split between 3MY and Byerly at PIA. Kudos to Ron and Rob.
Airport
3MY
The displays on the fuel pumps will be replaced since they have become difficult to read. The trees lining the south fence line are to be trimmed drastically. Pads for the picnic tables which we acquired last fall are to finally be poured this fall.
The third week of the month was Cessna Citation Week at 3MY, with this 680 based in Kentucky plus a 560XL out of Michigan stopping at 3MY.
PIA
The Bradley Flying Association is holding their annual Fall Cookout and Open House this Saturday, 10/5 from 11:00 to 1:00, for all pilots and aviation enthusiasts in the area. They provide food, but you're welcome to bring a covered dish. Please see their flyer here for more information on how to RSVP.
Havana
Last Saturday's stargazing fly-in, which was to be held in conjunction with the UIUC Astronomy club, was called off due to the weather expected. An alternate date is being considered.
