April - Chapter 309

THREE ZERO
NINER
Newsletter for
April 2014
Meets every 3rd Monday in Charlotte, NC
Chapter 309 of the Experimental Aircraf t Association. Charlotte, NC
President’s Corner
Sun N Fun
Last week, EAA Chapter 309 members converged en
masse at the 40th annual Sun & Fun convention in Lakeland, Florida. Our group settled in at the old Chopper
Town on the southeast corner of the field next to John
Garabedian's large motor home. Rumor is that John circled the field many times before he settled on this prime
and private location. Actually it was difficult for him to
find a parking spot that could accommodate his motor
home and his helicopter trailer. Although we were far
from the crowds, a convenient tram stop was located
nearby.
EAA Chapter 309 was
founded in 1973 by a
small group of aviation
enthusiasts. Since
that time, the
membership has
grown in size and
experience. Members
come with a variety of
skill and experiences.
Current members
have aviation
backgrounds ranging
A second group of Charlotte pilots pitched tents adjacent to the VOR (a navigation
aid with large antennas). You could just feel the electricity in the air as you walked
by this highly charged camp site (pun intended). This was a great location to view
the daily air show.
from student pilot all
Attendance appeared to be up by a significant amount over past years. It was nice
to see the additional airplanes and people. The S&F crews did a great job redesigning Paradise City, home of the LSAs, ultralights and helicopters. The grass runway
is longer and the roads are improved. Overall everything functioned well.
all share a love of
The most significant announcement came from the FAA. Officials said that a notice
of proposed rulemaking will be released soon that could eliminate the third class
medical. This may eventually allow pilots to self certify their physical qualifications
for retractable gear aircraft up to 6,000 lbs. Hopefully we'll hear something by the
end of the year.
Young Eagles: Kevin Cromie and I discovered that there appears to be a lack of
kids and pilots for the April Young Eagle gathering. Therefore we have decided to
cancel and instead concentrate on the August and November events.
Also we will forgo the April monthly dinner meeting and instead invite everyone to fly
out to Gilliam-McConnell Airfield, home of the Pik N Pig barbeque. In case you are
not familiar with this famous North Carolina landmark, details are available at this
website: http://www.pik-n-pig.com/ . Plan to rendezvous on Saturday, April 26th at
11:30 am. The rain date is Sunday, April 27th. (See page 4 for more details) Watch
for an update via our EAA309 Google group.
Time to go flying.
Alex Becker , EAA 309 President
the way to Airline
Transport Pilot.
Several are A&Ps and
aviation. Membership
is open to anyone
interested in aviation
and learning about the
construction of
Experimental Aircraft.
EAA 309 is a 501(c)3
tax exempt
organization.
Any donations are
welcome and may be
tax deductible.
Contents
President’s Corner by Alex Becker
1
Chapter Officers - 2014
Contents & Schedule
2
President:
The Funnies, Eye Candy,etc.
3
Alex Becker
EAA 309 Chapter Fly-Out to Pik N Pig BBQ Restaurant,
4.26.14
Board meeting minutes
4
248-396-7944
4, 5 & 6
Vice President:
Holliday Obrecht
Sun N Fun, 2014
7&8
How Not to Prop Start an Airplane, contributed by Frank Mar- 9
tin
ULF-1 project update. Mike Yaghi’s Arion Lightning
10
Classified ads
11
Membership application form
12
704-360-4770
Treasurer:
BJ Jones
704-896-5848
Secretary & Membership Chairman:
Ross Gresley
828-478-2000
Directors
Schedule of Events
Bob Perkins, Eric Roberts,
Date/Time
Item
Location
NOTE: There will be no monthly dinner meeting in April, 2014.
4.26.14
11:30 am
7.28.14 to
8.3.14
EAA 309 Chapter Fly-Out to Pik N
Pig BBQ restaurant.
(See page 4 for more detail)
5NC3, GilliamMcConnell airport.
Carthage, NC
Oshkosh Fly-in
Oshkosh, WI
Sam Stewart, Bob Thayer, Tom
Schick
——— o ————Young Eagles Coordinator:
Kevin Cromie
Technical Counselors:
Kent Ashton, Glenn Babcock,
Dale Ensing and John Wigney
Flight Advisor:
Dale Ensing
Newsletter Editor:
John Wigney
Be Careful Out There
704-664-4167
“Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater
degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness,
incapacity or neglect.” Captain A. G. Lamplugh, British Aviation
Insurance Group, London. c. early 1930's.
Webmaster:
Alex Becker
248-396-7944
Events Coordinator:
Eric Roberts
704-537-8503
2
The Funnies, Eye Candy, etc.
de Havilland DH 112
Venom Mk.4 ,
ZK-VNM, New Zealand
- Very handsome
“Details are still sketchy but we think
the name of the bird sucked into the
jet’s engines was Harold Meeker.”
Some people do strange things. This is a Pitts Special
taking the record for the no. of inverted spins. He
starts at 23,000 ft and finishes straight & level at
1,000 ft. Rather him than me. 81.75 spins!
See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL63avj-BCU
Editor’s Note by John Wigney
Please keep your articles coming in. Anything goes. I do encourage you to
send me any articles on your projects, your flights, your adventures, your reminiscences, your photos, your safety tips, etc.
Send material to :-
[email protected] 704-664-4167.
3
EAA 309 Chapter Fly-Out to Pik N Pig BBQ Restaurant, 4.26.14
Where : Gilliam-McConnell Airfield, 5NC3, Carthage, NC (75 NM east of Charlotte VOR)
When : Saturday, April 26th., 2014. 11:30 am. (Rain date is April 27th., 2014)
Note : 5NC3 is a private airfield but welcomes visitors to the restaurant. Airport monitors frequency
122.9.
See http://www.pik-n-pig.com/ for details
BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES, EAA CHAPTER 309
January 9, 2014
Present: Alex Becker, Bob Perkins, John Wigney, Eric Roberts, Ross Gresley, Bob Thayer
The meeting was called to order by President Alex Becker.
AGENDA: Young Eagles, Tri-Motor project, Web Site, Leadership Classes, Future Chapter Meetings,
Hangar Restroom
YOUNG EAGLES
Alex Becker and Kevin Cromie received a request to come to the Raleigh area but declined because of
the distance. AOPA has an event on same date as one of our events. Board voted to remain with our original 3 planned Young Eagle events. We need to plan ground personnel ahead of time for better support of
the events this year.
TRI-MOTOR PROJECT
EAA Headquarters requested us to hold another event in 2014. Opinion of the board is to defer until 2015
because of our already full schedule and the additional effort required .
WEB SITE
Alex Becker will take lead on needed changes to the site. Alex will link to other sites to upload pictures.
Our bylaws will be more accessible and we will still use passwords to protect us from negative forces.
There will be a link to include tablets. Members will be asked to upgrade their personal information page
with picture and name. Ross Gresley will make a note on the members’ annual dues letter asking them to
do so.
LEADERSHIP CLASSES
EAA Headquarters will hold leadership classes again this year on March 7-9. The chapter will send two
members again.
FUTURE CHAPTER MEETINGS
For our February meeting, send an email to Alex Becker to help decide the agenda. The March meeting
thoughts are possibly a swap meet on the 3rd Saturday (29th) at our Gastonia hanger. For April we will
4
have a Sun-N-Fun report from the membership attending. May is open for suggestions. In October a talk
by an AME is being planned.
HANGAR RESTROOM
We are working to find a way to put a restroom in our chapter hangar.
MEETING ADJOURNED
……………………………………………………………
BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES,
February 17, 2014
Present: Alex Becker, Sam Stewart, Holliday Obrecht, Eric Roberts, Ross Gresley, Bob Thayer, BJ Jones
The meeting was called to order by President Alex Becker.
AGENDA: Young Eagles, Flying Alaska’ Chapter Meetings and Tours, Bermuda High Soaring, RC Flying,
Additional Meeting Locations, Hangar Facilities, Chapter RV-9 Project
YOUNG EAGLES
Planning an event at Concord will probably not happen with their landing fees, etc. We will wait for them to
come to us. The Gastonia Young Eagles event is planned for Saturday April 26 with breakfast. A possible
June Young Eagles event needs more discussion. A possible parts swap for June may be possible.
FLYING ALASKA
Bob Thayer has a friend instructor in Alaska that we may possibly secure as a speaker.
CHAPTER MEETINGS AND TOURS
For the ATC tour, ATC requests groups of ten. We will plan for July or August. John Dennis will lead. Tour
will be over a couple of days and we will have a sign-up for the tour. In September we hope to have Dr.
Dean Malone, an AME, from the Rowan Diagnostic Clinic as our speaker at our hangar. John Dennis’ S&F
talk for March is a go. The chapter will meet on March 17th at Showmars on 7th Street in Charlotte. Eric
Roberts is working on a Michelin Tire mfg. tour and a tour at Honda Jet. Eric will contact Don Peters for
Honda tour information. Other tour possibilities as follows: Ross Gresley will check with Ed Tello for a seaplane demo during the summer months. John Wigney will contact Tim Hunneycut for an Air National
Guard tour. Ken Martin will contact US Airways for a tour.
A possible hands-on day to learn metal construction by building a Van’s toolbox with David Borders and
John Wigney leading is in the planning. A possible Turbomeca day is being considered.
BERMUDA HIGH SOARING
Bermuda High Soaring will welcome us for a day of glider flying. Lunch will be made available for a nominal fee as well. A date will be in the planning.
RC FLYING
Paul Greishaber will lead for this introduction to RC flying. Date unknown at present.
ADDITIONAL MEETING LOCATIONS
A new meeting location possibility is Denny’s on Tyvola off I-77. They have a large room, Wi-Fi, TV. The
manager’s name is Knox. Ph. 704-523-2214
5
HANGAR FACILITIES
Presently we can only use Port-a-Jons. Eric Roberts will lead. We would like to pursue the avenue of installing a permanent bathroom at the hangar. Sam Stewart and John Wigney will assist. There
are several city/county hurdles we must clear to accomplish this project.
CHAPTER RV-9 PROJECT
John Wigney is to lead project. Ross Gresley may have hangar/shop space available by the time
we are ready to start.
MEETING ADJOURNED
……………………………………………………………
BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES,
March 17, 2014
Present: Alex Becker, John Wigney, Bob Allen, Holliday Obrecht, Eric Roberts, Bob Perkins, Ross
Gresley, Bob Thayer, Kevin Cromie .
The meeting was called to order by President Alex Becker.
Agenda: April/May Activities, Chapter Meetings and Tours, RC Flying
APRIL/MAY ACTIVITIES
Lee Meyers of the Board of Directors of Warbirds at Monroe spoke about an Aviation Day on Memorial
Day weekend at Monroe Airport. They are hoping to showcase Tinker Bell their C-46. They additionally
plan to take Tinker Bell to Oshkosh this year pending completion of the annual. They want to work with
us on Young Eagles events and will help to pick an appropriate date. There was considerable discussion
aligning Monroe Airport and Chapter 309 schedules and how to divide responsibilities. We are tentatively planning for mid-August to September for this event. Kevin and Alex will work together planning the
event.
CHAPTER MEETINGS AND TOURS
The Parts Swap and Breakfast or Lunch is planned for the month of June. The Tool Box Hands-On project is tentatively planned for October. We will survey the chapter members for their interest to determine
how many project kits to order. The hoped for American Airlines tour is cancelled. At present they are no
longer allowing anyone in. Eric Roberts is working on the Michelin Tire tour. John Dennis will plan for the
ATC tour to be held in the heat of the summer since ATC is air conditioned.
RC FLYING
Paul Greishaber is planning to hold this on a 3rd Saturday or 3rd Monday of the month, however a date is
not yet set.
MEETING ADJOURNED
These minutes submitted by Ross Gresley, Secretary and Membership Chairman
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Sun N Fun, 2014
Captain Debby Dennis with Bob
Perkins and Holliday Obrecht,
loading up the Cherokee.
Daybreak after early departure
from Lake Norman Airpark
Busy arrivals at
Lakeland for the
Cherokee
John Dennis following in the
Diamond Katana
The Blue Angels
One does see some pretty odd
things at these airshows
P 51 Mustang,
P 38 Glacier Girl
& F22
7
Sun N Fun 2014 continued
“EAA 309 Central” at John’s Garabedian’s motor home = 7 tents
Bob Allen, Todd Olds, Bob Thayer, Ross Gresley,
Alex Becker & Walter Gee at the motor home
Walter Gee, the editor and
Alex Becker in the Cozy 4
Early morning. Debby
at the VOR camp site.
If you look at this carefully,
you will see that Alex Becker’s
Cozy 4 is a very efficient aircraft. This is what you get with
a nice fuel injection system,
electronic ignition and Lean Of
Peak mixture control.
Location - northern Florida.
 9,500 ft
 7.2 gph
 142 KIAS
 168 KTAS (193 mph)
 26.9 mpg
An unusual sight in the warbirds area - three immaculately restored Grumman F7F-3 Tigercats.
8
How Not to Prop Start an Airplane - contributed by Frank Martin
It started out at the self-service Avgas pump. A guy fueled his Cherokee,
but knew he had a dead battery. Pushed the plane back, hopped in,
primed the engine, left the throttle half open, mags on, and got back out.
Gave the prop a swift swing, and the engine fired right up. Right up to
around 1800 rpm I guess. The plane took off, straight for the fuel farm.
(#1)
#1
Fortunately, the prop hit this concrete filled steel post, (#2) designed for this
very situation: to keep idiots from running into the fuel tanks.
#2
Here's what happened next: Prop hit the post, and the crankshaft sheared right
off the engine sending the prop, hub and spinner flying like you only see in cartoons, landing on the roof of a hangar, about 150 yards away. Here it is: (#3)
#3
Aftermath : (#4)
And no, this did not buff right out. Plane was sold for
$400 on the spot, parted out and sold on eBay. With
today's medical expertise and knowledge, we can fix a
lot of things. Stupid is not one of them. Guy had no insurance, and was under scrutiny from the FAA for running another plane out of fuel, and landing it on highway 41 in Ft Myers I believe. He should just quit flying
all together.
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#4
Holliday Obrecht’s ULF-1 Microlight Glider Project Update
Holliday’s project continues steadily with a turnout of up to 10 helpers each Tuesday night. Items basically complete so far include the rudder, fin, horizontal stab, elevators, rear fuselage, fuselage bulkheads
and the seat beam. Next steps will include the wing spars.
Ross Gresley, Bob Thayer and Chaz
Ruoff working on one of the 2 main
fuselage bulkheads
Paul Grieshaber, Ross Gresley, Todd
Olds & John Wigney applying epoxy to
skin the side panels of the seat beam
New Member Project - Mike Yaghi - Arion Lightning
Mike has recently joined the chapter and he introduced himself at the last dinner meeting at Showmars.
He is underway with building an Arion Lightning LSA in his garage. The Arion is a sharp looking plane with
a very well finished composite kit.
File photo
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CLASSIFIED ADS
This section is for Sale or Want ads. Let me have your material and any photos.
For Sale : 1/5 share in 1975 Cessna 172 M
IFR certified. 6533TA, 301SMOH on O-320-E2D .
Auto gas STC. Power flow exhaust. King 155 radio & audio panel.
Apollo GX 60 GPS, Web based scheduling. Based at Concord (JQF) in common hangar.
Fresh December annual. Dues are $100 per month and $25 per hour.
Pictures and information at http://n6512h.com/Home.html
Contact Jim Dugger at 704-562-9807.
.
MISCELLANEOUS PARTS
 Unmodified 0290 ground power engine, disassembled.
$700
 Rotorway Helicopter Engine, Model 133, 133 HP disassembled.
$500
 Clarke Parts Washer on stand, never used.
$85
 J3 cowling and 2 windshields - new items
Contact Jim Schnicker at [email protected] or 704-660-1989.






CHAPTER SCALES for your WEIGHT & BALANCE, C of G CHECKS, ETC.
Rental to chapter members is $50.00, this includes membership dues for the following year.
Rental to non-chapter members is $50.00, this includes membership dues for the current year.
Contact John Wigney. [email protected] 704-664-4167.
AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATES, ANNUAL CONDITION INSPECTIONS, MAINTENANCE, ETC.
Are you in need of the airworthiness inspection and certificate for your newly completed Experimental or
Special Light Sport Aircraft? Would you like assistance and sign off for your annual condition inspection? I
can help.
Please contact Don Peters at 919-548-2305 or email [email protected]
 DAR-F Certified to sign Experimental Amateur built and Special Light Sport Airplane Certification.
 A&P/IA Owner Assisted annuals & yearly condition inspections.

Maintenance Assistance.
CHAPTER TEE SHIRTS



Only $10.00
Available in White or Grey. Large and Extra Large
Contact Ken Larson at [email protected]
About the EAA
As always Chapter
309 is looking for
new members. This
page can be printed
off and given to a
potential member.
The EAA national organization, headquartered in Oshkosh, WI is for both
pilots and non-pilots who are interested
in the dynamic world of flight. The
organization, founded in 1953, offers
activities for the entire family on the
local, regional and national levels. EAA
also offers support programs for those
who are building and restoring aircraft.
fly them, EAA is for you! For only $40
you can be a member. EAA offers
something for enthusiasts of every age
and interest - pilots, designers, builders,
dreamers and doers - anyone who
enjoys the unique freedom made
possible by flight. All are welcomed into
EAA's growing family.
The EAA is dedicated to serving all of Call the EAA Membership
aviation by fostering and encouraging Department at 1.800.564.6322 or visit
individual participation, high standards www.eaa.org
and access to the world of flight in an
environment that promotes freedom,
safety, family and personal fulfillment.
If YOU like airplanes and the people who
The form can be
See more info at EAA 309’s new website at :-http://www.309.eaachapter.org/
used to pass along
e n r o l l m e n t
information
about
the EAA and this
Step 1. Join EAA national organization.
Step 2. Join EAA 309. Please print off the form below as necessary or use the typable form available online at
http://www.309.eaachapter.org/Documents/309%20Membership%20Appl.pdf
chapter.
Name:______________________________________ Spouse _____________
Address:________________________________________
City: ______________________
State: ______________ Zip:_______________
Phone: (Home) ______________ , (Work) _______________, (Cell) ________________
E-mail Address: ____________________________________________________
Pilot Rating: ____________________ EAA National Member Number: __________
Aircraft Owned(?):__________________________________
Current Project(?):__________________________________

Membership is open to anyone interested in aviation.

You must be a member of the EAA national organization.

Chapter dues are $25 per year, payable to ‘EAA 309’.

Mail Copy of Form with Check to:
Ross Gresley, Secretary/Membership Chairman
8278 Clipper Court,
Catawba, NC 28609
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