EAA  1236    Newsletter   November 2004   
President's Ramblings
     One more year, as the last meeting was elections and the members of the Chapter seemed to see fit to retain the present officers for another year.  We thank you  (I think) for your vote of confidence, and we will try hard to continue to lead and promote the Chapter.  However, it is your Chapter, and we need your input for the meetings and directions you want the Chapter to go.
     As I'm sure most of you know now, on Nov. 3rd we lost a Chapter member, Doug Craig, who was also a good friend and neighbor.  Doug and Jane were out flying their RV6-A, and on landing for unknown reasons the nose gear dug in and flipped the aircraft over.  Jane survived and is at home recovering from multiple injuries and she is able to sit at the computer and peck with a couple of fingers, which is all I can do normally.  We all wish you a speedy recovery Jane, and I know you will stay busy.
     Last month several Chapter members made the jaunt to Sebring for the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) Expo where there were many new aircraft candidates for the LSA on display, and many of the companies were giving demo flights.  I know a couple of our members went for a powered parachute ride. Quite a thrill I would imagine.  For a first effort I thought they did a good job putting the Expo together.  On Sat the chapter officers were invited to a luncheon (it's true, elected officials do get perks) with EAA President Tom Poberezny and several other Headquarters staff. Tom gave a very informative talk on the workings of EAA and their goals and stressed the importance of the local Chapters to the success of the organization.  We all came away impressed.
     Can you believe it is already time for our
Christmas party. The time just keeps slipping away faster each year.  It was finalized at the last meeting that the party will be Friday, December 10th , 6 p.m. at the Washburn's hangar.  The dinner will be preceded by a very short Dec. meeting. The Chapter will furnish the meat (ham and also a big tray of lasagna), and the members are to bring a dish or dessert.  ALSO this year we are not having the gift exchange but rather it was decided by the members at the last meeting that it would be better for everyone to bring a nonperishable food item that the Chapter can donate to some in need. The Chapter is buying several gifts for which we'll sell raffle tickets, and IF you're a winner you get to pick your choice of gift.  We are hoping for a large turnout of members, their spouses and guests, the more bodies the warmer the hangar will be. BOYB?
     As the members know that were here, the November  Fly-in was a huge success. The weather was absolutely beautiful, no incidents and a large turnout of RVs and other aircraft.  Everyone gave high praise for the food and the fly-in and we took in enough money to finish buying the tables we need. Now there shouldn't be any sore backs from setting up those HEAVY tables we've had in the past. We still do need a few more chairs which I hope we'll be able to get later on.  Think of the raffle tickets as a donation to a worthy cause, the Chapter, and of course you MIGHT win.
     Yesterday, the 18th, was a day of mixed emotions for Lorene and me as our PA-12 took off with someone else at the controls and headed West to Az to a new home. We hope the new owner enjoys it as much as we did. It's ALMOST like losing a member of the family, but it was time to move on to something else, maybe a Rans S-7 or who knows.  One thing for sure though, it will be experimental.
     Well, that's a wrap for another month and see you all Dec. 10th.
                  Ollie Washburn  250-8988
EAA CHAPTER 1236 MINUTES  -  NOVEMBER 13, 2004   Lorene Washburn, Secretary/Treasurer
 
  Ollie Washburn opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. We had a total of 38 present, which included two guests.  Ollie welcomed Don and Cindy Hammond and invited them to join our chapter.  Don said that was their reason for being here.
     He announced the sad news that we had lost one of our members, Doug Craig, in an aircraft accident.  He read a short memo that Jane Craig had prepared.  He also related Jane’s condition and the fact that she is now home and recuperating from her injuries.  He repeated the information about the Memorial Visitation to be held at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home on Saturday, November 13 from 1-4 PM.
     Next was the news of the fly-in held on November 6 in the Washburn’s hanger.  It was a beautiful day and a good turnout.  There were about 180 people attending; approximately 80
airplanes; with 37 of those who signed in being RV’s.  With the raffle and the contributions from food and the 50-50 it was a good addition to our account for buying tables and chairs.  Ollie
was also pleased to announce that the fly-in was accident-free.  That is always the main concern.
     Four of our aviation friends from Spruce Creek did a Missing Man fly-by in memory of Doug Craig.  Jane Craig was especially appreciative, even though she couldn’t be present.
     Next Ollie talked about the Expo at Sebring, Florida.  It was the first expo for Light Sport Aircraft and the turnout was very good.  Ollie was there both Friday and Saturday.  Saturday was the better day.  On Saturday EAA Headquarters invited the officers of the various chapters to attend a luncheon.  Tom Poberezny gave a very informative talk about the goals and what EAA is doing.  We enjoyed it very much and were able to meet a number of people on staff at EAA Headquarters. 
     Next Ollie reminded everyone that beginning immediately there is a gate code  for all chapter members to use to enter Love’s Landing at the north gate.  This number is ONLY for the north gate and  is for use only to attend chapter functions.  He reminded everyone that if this number is abused John Love will remove it. If anyone in the chapter does not know the code you can call the Washburns at 750-5312.
     Ollie announced that there is a fly-in at Winter Haven, FL at 11:30, open to the public.  Also,
he reminded everyone of the Avon Park breakfast fly-in on Sunday, November 14.  It is an
especially good food fly-in.  He also reminded us that Hobby Hill will have their fly-in on November 20, 2004 from 9-4.  All chapter members are invited.  There is also the Multi Media  Art Sale at the Mosley’s on November 20th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Mosley’s are located at the south end of Love’s Landing, the very last house. 
       The minutes were accepted as published in the newsletter.   They were approved by the membership.  The secretary read the financial report and this was also approved by the membership.  Both the minutes and the financial report were posted on the bulletin board in case anyone missed the newsletter.
     There should not be any break in  the newsletter.  Jane Craig will still by doing it,  with whatever help she needs from Kim Fromal, Pam Williamson and Lorene Washburn.  Jane is already using her camera again.  The newsletter could be a little late, but it will be published.
     There were no new members but Dick McLean reminded us that is
renewal time
     Lorene Washburn thanked everyone for their response to the request for EAA numbers and current expiration dates.  We have a total of 60 current expiration dates with a few more to go before the December deadline. 
     It was agreed by the membership to have our
Christmas Party on December 10th (Friday) at 6
p.m. in  the Washburn’s hangar
.  The chapter will furnish ham, lasagna, coffee and soft drinks, and paper products.  Members should bring a covered dish to share.  There will be a “work party” on Thursday, Dec. 9th, at 5:00 PM.  It was agreed to NOT have the exchange of gifts, but in lieu of gifts to bring a food item to donate to a needy group for Christmas.  It was agreed that the group is too large to do the exchange.   We WILL sell tickets for a  raffle, with the chapter buying items to be raffled off.  Julie Dane, with help from others,  will head this endeavor.  Any proceeds from the raffle will be added to chapter funds.
     Approval was asked for, and given, to buy 7 more tables for chapter use.  The additional chairs will wait till later.
     Judy Betz addressed the subject of Young Eagles.  She was impressed with what other chapters were doing with Young Eagles when she attended the luncheon given by EAA.  She had a number of brochures and information on the Young Eagles Program and urged anyone interested in the program to take copies.  Insurance was brought up and it was pointed out that, in addition to personal coverage, EAA underwrites it.  This is explained in the brochure.  There is a consent form that parents must sign in order for this coverage to be in effect.  She explained that this can be done as a group effort, or  can also be done on an individual basis.  If anyone is interested contact Judie Betz at 352-821-2828.
     Ollie reminded everyone, in Jane’s absence, that Jane is still looking for articles and pictures
for the newsletter. 
     Ollie presented the EAA Calendar that is offered for $8.50.  He noted that for an order of 12 the price is $8.00.  There was a sign-up sheet for orders.  The retail price for chapters to sell as a fund raiser is $12.95, but they are being offered to chapter members at cost.
     The election of officers was held.  The previous officers were retained.  Oliver Washburn was
re-elected as President, Clint Rule as Vice-President, and Lorene Washburn as Secretary/Treasurer.  Ollie thanked everyone for their vote of confidence and promised to try to do as well for the next year.  Dick McLean thanked the Washburn’s for the meeting place and the group’s thanks were appreciated.
     Clint Rule brought up the subject of the rule for Sport Flying when you can’t pass a physical.
The fact that someone who has been denied a medical CANNOT fly with a driver’s license,
but someone who has not been denied but feels unable to pass a medical, can simply fly with his driver’s license and not try for a medical.  Ollie agreed that this is not right, but said FAA is still trying to resolve this problem.
     The 50-50 raffle produced $44 for the winner and $44 for the chapter.  Our guest, Cindy
Hammond, won the 50-50.  Perhaps this will be an incentive to join our chapter!.
     The meeting was adjourned after setting the next meeting for December 10th at 6:00 PM in the Washburn’s hanger, to be held prior to the Christmas Party.
From Brenda Anderson , EAA Chapter Administrator:
Your EAA Membership Benefits - What They Are and How They’ve Changed
     We’re often asked “what are the benefits of belonging to EAA?”  The answer can be a long one depending on what that individual’s interests are as EAA has a vast offering of benefits and services.  And they are evolving and improving all the time.  But let’s just start with the basics and explore what’s new in a $40 EAA membership.
     Every member receives his/her choice of a monthly magazine.  EAA SPORT AVIATION is the flagship monthly publication for members interested in the broad scope of recreational aviation with editorial geared to the flying, buying, building, restoring and maintaining of all types of aircraft.  We are currently in the process of expanding our coverage of production aircraft news and hands-on topics. EAA SPORT PILOT & LIGHT SPORT AIRCRAFT magazine is new just this year and its editorial is aimed at those who’ll fly the newest special light-sport aircraft, including fixed wings, trikes, powered parachutes, gyrocopters, gliders, and Part 103 ultralights.  Your membership includes a choice of either membership or you can add on the additional magazine.
     EAA member benefits at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh each year have also increased.  Now members not only have greatly reduced admission fees, but you’ll receive discounts on specially priced meals from several food vendors, have access to the members-only internet café, and enjoy member events in the new EAA Member Village near AeroShell Square.  And the list will be sure to evolve over the next few months as we set plans for the 2005 event happening July 25-31. Watch this space for more details on “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.”
     EAA’s Insurance Program has expanded with the addition of insurance for students and renters.  This non-owner insurance plan is Sport Pilot-ready.  In addition EAA, and Falcon Insurance have developed an outstanding insurance plan for all types of aircraft including expanded coverage, service and great pricing for members.  Call today for a free quote at 866-647-4322 or visit www.eaa.org.  EAA membership also includes preferred rates on other lines of personal insurance.
     With the new Sport Pilot movement, EAA’s technical team is the leader in helping all aviators understand what the new ruling means and how it helps reduce the traditional time and cost barriers associated with training and aircraft ownership.  We have a special brochure series that answers many of the questions members have on this topic.  If you’d like to receive this information or have a question on Sport Pilot, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit the website at www.sportpilot.org.
     Another new benefit of EAA membership this year is unlimited admission to the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh.  That’s right all members can visit the museum as often as they like-- at no additional charge. 
     The EAA membership umbrella includes the wonderful ability to join a local chapter and participate in all of its activities.  Plus, EAA members also have the opportunity to join one or all of EAA’s affiliate organizations: EAA Warbirds of America, EAA’s Vintage Aircraft Association, and the International Aerobatic Club division of EAA. Plus, an affiliate of EAA is the National Association of Flight Instructors. The EAA Homebuilt Aircraft Council reaffirms EAA’s commitment to its homebuilding roots. There’s something for everyone!
     With the EAA Flight Planner, EAA members can easily plan a VFR flight, view a route on current maps (including Sectional, WACs and other) check NOTAMs and weather, file with DUATs and many other functions.  This $50 value is free for EAA members, just check out the website at www.eaa.org for more information.
     For individual services, EAA provides a wealth of educational and technical benefits.  Access to pilot programs such as EAA Technical Counselors, Flight Advisors, Aeromedical Advisors, and Aviation Information Services representatives are ready to answer your aviation questions at 888/322-4636.  EAA’s education opportunities include SportAir workshops held around the country – the perfect place to learn about aircraft building and restoration.  Call 800/967-5746 for all the details. 
     Working with kids via the EAA Young Eagles program gives the next generation of aviation enthusiasts the chance to take to the sky.  EAA members provide an introductory flight experience for kids aged 8-17 – members have flown more than 1,100,000 Young Eagles since the program’s inception.  Call 877/806-8902 for more information.  EAA’s Air Academy aviation camps provide a resident camp at Oshkosh headquarters for youth who are aged 12-18 interested in aviation.  Reach the Air Academy at 888/322-3229.
     Finally, the discounts!  Great deals and discounts for EAA members abound:  you can save on everything from member discounts on Ford vehicles, John Deere equipment, Hertz car rentals, travel services, and even a preferred rate on the EAA VISA® credit card.
     For more information on any of your EAA membership benefits we’re at your assistance on-line at www.eaa.org or in person at 800/JOIN EAA (800/564-6322.)
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