Jolene aloft with her instructor, Vince Stubbs
For the morning of Septermber 14, Morrie Caudill organized a tour of the hangar for veterans from the Buehler Home. Besides Morrie and his Onex, several chapter members brought their airplanes to display: Greg Harness (Vashon Ranger), Bill Larson (Sonex), Dale Montgomery (Bonanza), and Terry Moushon (RV-10). There were also the projects in the hangar, including Greg LePine's scaled F4U, Josh Mattson's PL-4, and Andy Plouse's RV-8, plus Marty Martin's C-172. Ron Wright was also present to help out.
Morrie's summary: "The Chapter did an outstanding job of presenting airplanes and the veterans loved the cookies and coffee. There were six airplanes outside, plus the ones inside, and each owner made a presentation... (T)hey were very impressed and got a lot of information."
The October chapter meeting is this Saturday following breakfast in the hangar.
The November chapter meeting is the Annual meeting which includes votes for the 2022 board of directors and their budget. Currently, the board as it stands will be offered for re-election—it's not too late for you to volunteer. For the members to review before the meeting, a copy of the proposed budget will be placed in the Members section of the web site in late October.
The Ray Scholarship program wrote to say they had decided to release more funds for 2021. Rob Meyer, the chapter's coordinator for this program, promptly replied we have candidates. In mid September, we were told our chapter has been selected, and we have nominated chapter member Logan Turner for this. Because he is well along in his flight training, he will be eligible for only a partial scholarship. We soon expect word he has been accepted.
Jolene Miller is the chapter's Ray Scholar for 2021. In early September, she passed her written exam with a score of 92, and this released the final $2,000 of her scholarship money. Asked about the time remaining before her checkride:
I have a lot of scholarship money left. Rob, Vince, and I agreed to take my time and go on some "fun" solo flights to use some of the money before I take my check ride. As of now, I do not have an estimated time!
Jolene aloft with her instructor, Vince Stubbs
Jolene has been active at the chapter and has helped prepare the breakfasts prior to the chapter meetings the past few months.
At the September board meeting, the possibility of an aircraft build with area high schoolers was discussed. Possible kits for such, including the RV-12iS and Zenith 701, were reviewed. Also, there is the BD-6 which the Bede Foundation offers free to chapters organizing a youth build, but it was generally agreed a 2 seater is preferrered since it holds the potential for the kids to take a ride once completed. An airplane which can be purchased in sections, such as the empennage or wings, has the advantage that the completed sections can be sold separately if interest in the project wanes. It was noted HQ has kits for small, sample projects to teach the construction skills.
Besides Dunlap High School's Flight Club, another source for kids might be the few remaining area high schools which have shop classes, as well as ICC, the local community college. Four chapter members have volunteered to mentor such a project. Legal liability concerns at each step were considered, and if sufficient interest develops, it was suggested we talk with one of the dozens of chapters currently in a build.
If finished, the airplane could be sold to fund another kit purchase. It might also be possible to set up a separate flight club based around the airplane, which would provide a steady use for one of the places in the hangar. Another possibility is to have a chapter member who wants to build, say an RV-12, buy the kit and have kids and their mentors assist with the build.
If you're willing to be a mentor, or if you know a kid who might be interested in such build, contact the chapter president, Greg LePine.
Todd Moore, who heads the youth programs committee, pointed out Young Eagles rallies would be good recruiting for a build. While there have been no youth events this year due to the pandemic, he recently had time to become familiar with the electronic processes HQ has for getting insurance, signing up the kids, etc for an Eagles event, and we will be ready for one in the spring, after the pandemic (hopefully) settles down.
The VMC Club meets this coming Sunday at 6:30. As last month, the scenario provided by EAA will be considered in addition to that from Pilot Workshops. Last month's discussion at Pilot Workshops centered on the best way to approach a busy airfield, including overflight and straight in options.
The IMC Club meets meets one week later than usual this month, on Sunday 10/17 at 6:00 in the hangar. Their fly-out coordinator will be busy for a while, and so no fly-out is currently planned.
Tim Threw gets around in his RV-7, this time over Niagara Falls. Regarding the flight, "This was more challenging than the OSH conga line, but I survived and Claudia took a lot of great pics."
To follow up on last month's 3MY news: