EAA Chapter 87
Minutes of Meeting Dated August 11, 2009

 Submitted by Richard DeVito - Secretary

1.  SECRETARIES REPORT 

Richard DeVito read the secretary’s report from the July meeting.  Everett Perkins made a motion to approve the report as read.  This was seconded by Gary Bergendoff, and passed unanimously. 

2.  TREASURER’S REPORT 

No report was available due to the absence of the Treasurer. 

3.  ACE CAMP 

Charlie Gabelmann reported that the ACE Camp candidate has been approved, and his father has paid the required fees.  The Chapter will provide a reimbursement check for the ACE Camp fees once the amount is known. 

4.  YOUNG EAGLES 

Everett Perkins stated that everything is in place for the August 15 Young Eagles day at Lewiston-Auburn. Pilots and ground crew volunteers should plan to arrive by 0900 with a start scheduled for 1000.  Everett advised the notices of the event have been placed in the local Lewiston paper.  

Mark Hayden expressed concern that 2 runways may be in use simultaneously during the event.  Leo Leclair stated that it is not unusual for commercial operators to use the longer runway even if winds favor the shorter.  We will operate from one runway only and remain vigilant for all traffic. 

5. GENERAL 

Due to the current configurations of the aircraft restoration, it was generally concluded that we should wait before approaching Lufthansa personnel for a Super Connie tour. 

Charlie Gabelmann reported that he does not yet have the EAA insurance coverage for Mark Haden’s Fly-In Picnic on August 22.  The delay is due to EAA priorities for Air Venture 2009.  Charlie stated that the insurance would be available prior to the picnic. 

Gary Bergendoff reported that the sail on his powered parachute has been replaced, but major problems were noted. Although the new fabric has zero flight time, Gary noted five tears, located in three different cells.  Both the manufacturer and the installer report that the fabric was undamaged when it left their facility and deny any culpability.  Members felt Gary would have a problem getting financial relief on the damaged fabric. 

6.  PROJECTS 

Tom Fisher reported that his Zodiac 601 has been inspected and only five minor problems noted.  When these are corrected, he will be ready for a final airworthiness check. 

Russell Keith has completed his 25-hour fly off with no real issues.  He is now cleared to fly outside the restricted box. 

7.  PROGRAM 

DJ Merrill showed an alternate method from Approach Systems for wiring aircraft.  In lieu of manually wiring individual circuits, Approach Systems offers a patch panel with tailored connector cables for all aircraft systems.  All wiring with the exception of power and ground are provided.  The system greatly simplifies wiring issues, but at an added cost. 

Grady Sharpe demonstrated a small 5-cylinder radial engine that he built.  The engine runs on compressed air and RPM is modulated as a function of the air supply.  Grady showed that the engine torque is low, by inserting his finger into the prop at high RPM.  No damage to the prop or finger. 

Grady also showed some aviation shears that he modified with a stop to limit the blade opening.  On long cuts without the limits, small burrs were noted at the point where the blades were opened.  With the limits, a smooth cut was noted across the entire cut.  Grady also pointed out that it is not necessary to but two shears for left and right curved cuts.  You can make alternate curved cuts by turning the shears over. 

8. ADJOURNMENT 

The meeting was adjourned at 2030 hours. 

                                   SEPTEMBER MEETING 

The September meeting will be held at Merrymeeting Airport on Tuesday September 8, 2009.  The Board meeting will commence at 1845 and the regular meeting will start at 1930.