|
The January meeting was held at
Merrymeeting Airport.
President Charlie Gabelmann called a Board Meeting
to order at 1905 with a quorum of Board Members in
attendance.
1.
2009 MEETING PROGRAMS
Programs for 2009 were assigned as
follows:
February
Leo Leclair
March
Richard DeVito
April
Charlie Gabelmann/Dave Peppel
May
Open
June
Everett Perkins
July
Gary Bergendoff
August
DJ Merrill
September
Keith Oliver
October
Tom Muller
November
Open
December
Christmas Party
The Board Meeting was adjourned at
1925, and the general meeting was called to order at 1930
2.
ACE CAMP REPORT
Jeff Russo drove down from Leeds to
report on his Ace Camp experience.
His dad David accompanied him.
Jeff thanked the Chapter for sponsoring him for Ace
Camp, and he reported that it was the trip of a lifetime
with experiences he never expected to have.
This included a trip to Bangor to greet returning
US troops from Iraq, tours of an F-15, a KC-135, and a
Swift, plus flights in a 172, and a Blackhawk Helicopter.
The Camp introduced Jeff to wider aspects of
aviation jobs. Jeff
had a nicely done fold out poster showing many of the
aircraft used in programs during the Camp.
Jeff agreed to share his experiences as part of
Chapter 87’s participation in the Maine Aviation Forum
at Owl’s Head on February 28.
3.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Tom Muller read the Treasurer’s
report, listing the Chapter bank balance on 12/31/2008 at
$5,732.95. Tom
also distributed 2009 invoices for dues to members
present. Everett
Perkins made a motion to accept the report as presented.
It was seconded by Gary Bergendoff, and passed
unanimously.
4.
OLD BUSINESS
AIRCRAFT SCALES
The members discussed at length
issues of initial costs and procedures for use.
A motion was made by Tom Muller and seconded by
Keith Oliver to allow Leo Leclair to purchase a 4-pad
scale system for up to $1,200.
The motion passed unanimously.
Prior to using the scales, Leo will submit
documentation that details usage guidelines, to the Board
for review.
MAINE AVIATION FORUM
EAA Chapter 1434 from Belfast will
host a Maine Aviation Forum at Owl’s Head Transportation
Museum on Saturday February 28, 2009. The
event runs from 1000 to 1230 hours, with
registration-coffee and snacks starting at 0930. From 1230 to 1330, Chapter 736 from Norridgewock will offer
lunch for a $5.00 fee.
From 1330 to 1430, time has been set for additional
discussions, and tours of the Museum and the Aircraft
Restoration Shop. Those
members attending that desire lunch should advise Charlie
Gabelmann so the Chapter can submit a count to the lunch
organizers.
FAA AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION
This topic continues to be of
interest and lengthy discussions were held. Charlie hopes
to get Dave Pepprel for a future meeting to address
certification issues.
5.
NEW BUSINESS
TSA
PROPOSAL FOR 12,000-POUND AIRCRAFT
Tom Muller encouraged all members to
write letters opposing the intended TSA requirements for
General Aviation aircraft of 12,000 pound gross weight or
greater. Under
the TSA proposal these aircraft would require passenger
manifests along with background checks.
Tom counseled that although it does not affect us
directly at this time, it is just the tip of the iceberg.
STATE AERONAUTICAL BOARD MEETING
Charlie Gabelmann attended the State
Aeronautical Board Meeting in December.
It was reported that the state might do away with
State Registration for aircraft, mainly due to a manpower
problem. The
function would most likely be turned over to the DMV in
the towns. If
it is dropped completely, it might result in airport user
fees.
The meeting was adjourned at 2100
AWARD
Everett Perkins passed on a photo of
Tom Muller presenting Charlie Gabelmann with his EAA
National Recognition Award.
This was reported in the December meeting minutes,
but a picture was not available at the time
PROGRAM
DJ Merrill presented information on
an Automatic Position Reporting System (APRS).
This is an amateur radio based system that requires
a ham radio license.
It consists of a GPS unit, a microprocessor, and a
radio, and packages are available for about $200.
DJ showed plots made of his positions using the
system, and he advised that it is very easy to obtain a
ham radio license. Interested
members should contact DJ for more details.
FEBRUARY
MEETING
The February meeting will be held at
Merrymeeting Airport on Tuesday February 10, 2009.
The Board meeting will commence at 1845 and the
regular meeting will start at 1930.
|
