EAA Chapter 87
Minutes of Meeting Dated March 10, 2009
submitted by Richard DeVito - Secretary

1.  SECRETARY’S REPORT 

The Secretary’s Report was not read.  A motion was made by Keith Oliver and seconded by Everett Perkins to accept the Secretary’s report as posted on the chapter web site.  The motion passed without dissent.  The Secretary did report that he has filed the 2009 Corporation papers with the state, so we are current through March 2010. 

2.  TREASURER’S REPORT 

Tom Muller read the Treasurer’s report, listing the Chapter bank balance on 2/28/2009 at $4,895.50.  Disbursements included a payment of $1,091.36 for EAA National dues and insurance.  Tom also noted that he needed a replacement container for the financial records storage.  Richard DeVito made a motion to accept the report as presented, and to approve purchase of a replacement records container.  It was seconded by Leo Leclair, and passed unanimously. 

The chapter currently has 27 paid members, and 2 honorary members. 

Charlie Gabelmann reported that he has received paperwork from State Farm Insurance for three aviation related grants.  If all are awarded, the chapter could receive up to $1,500. 

3.  APRIL MEETING 

Charlie Gabelmann confirmed that Dave Peppel from the FAA would discuss experimental aircraft certification, and Sport Pilot maintenance standards with our members at the April meeting.

Charlie noted that the FAA has maintenance programs leading to a Repairman certificate for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).  A 16-hour course is offered, leading to a
Repairman-Inspection rating, allowing you to conduct the annual condition inspection on an Experimental LSA (E-LSA) you own.

A 120 hour course leads to a Repairman-Maintenance rating, allowing you to commercially maintain, repair, and perform the annual condition inspection on all Special LSA’s (S-LSA), and the annual condition inspection on all Experimental LSA’s
(E-LSA).  What repairs and maintenance you can perform are specifically outlined in the manufacturer’s maintenance manual.

4.  SCHOOL PROGRAMS 

Charlie Gabelmann reported he is providing data to the Morse School Superintendent relative to a possible aircraft construction project at the school.  The preference would construction of a LSA, with something other than composite materials.  There is also discussion of using the completed aircraft later, as a trainer.  If such a building program is put in place, Charlie reported that mentors for the project would be sought. 

Charlie reported that a not for profit company called Build A Plane, accepts donations of partially completed aircraft kits from owners, and then passes these on to schools at no cost.  The company does not actually handle the aircraft materials, and they assume no liability on the completed aircraft. 

Charlie also reported than Emery Riddle is working with the schools on programs offering college credits. 

5.  SCALES 

Leo submitted three documents to the EAA 87 Board for approval, relative to use of the scales.  These included the Operating Instructions, a Release Form, and the Rules and Guidelines for the Use of EAA Chapter 87 Owned Scales.  Everett Perking made a motion to accept the documents as submitted.  The motion was seconded by Keith Oliver, and passed unanimously. 

6.  ADJOURNMENT 

The meeting was adjourned at 2000 hours. 

7.  PROGRAM 

The main focus of the evening was a review of Jay Rowe’s RV-10.  The aircraft is virtually complete except for paint, and the members had a chance to have a detailed look at it.  The aircraft is powered by a new Lycoming IO-540 engine, and sports a leather interior and a panel that includes a glass cockpit and a Garmin 400 series GPS/COM.  The aircraft will be dismantled for painting after being weighed.  All members in attendance were very impressed with the aircraft and with Jay’s workmanship. 

Leo set up the scales to weigh the aircraft, and he stressed the importance of rolling the aircraft onto the scales, rather than lowering the aircraft onto the scales.  When the aircraft is lowered onto the scales, side forces on the gear could result in erroneous readings.  Leo also stated that the aircraft must be in the exact in-flight pitch attitude specified by the manufacturer.  For the RV-10 this is 0.0 degrees as measured on the doorsill.  The aircraft was weighed at an initial pitch attitude of 5 degrees, and at a final setting of 0 degrees, and a significant difference in the nose wheel scale was noted between the 5 and 0 degree positions.

APRIL MEETING 

The April meeting will be held on March 14 at the Old Bowdoin School starting at 1900 hours.  The address is 1201 S. Main Street (Route 125), in Bowdoin.  Parking and entry is at the rear of the building.  Dave Peppel from the FAA will present information on experimental aircraft certification, and Sport Pilot maintenance standards. 

Directions to the school— 

From the North, take I-295 South to exit 37 at Bowdoinham.  Turn right at the exit and then take the first right onto 125 South.  Continue about 1.8 miles to Rte 201.  Cross Rte 201 and continue on Rte 125 for an additional 0.8 miles.  The school is on the left.  Look for a large white fence.  If desired, you can take Rte 201 to Rte 125 rather than using I-295. 

From the South, take I-295 North to exit 37 at Bowdoinham.  Turn left at the exit and then take the first right onto 125 South.  Continue about 1.8 miles to Rte 201.  Cross Rte 201 and continue on Rte 125 for an additional 0.8 miles.  The school is on the left.  Look for a large white fence.  If desired, you can take Rte 201 to Rte 125 rather than using I-295. 

From Bowdoinham, follow 125 South (Main St) past I-295 to Rte 201.  Cross 201 and proceed 0.8 miles to the school. 

MAY MEETING 

The May meeting will be held May 12 at Phil Shelton’s barn in Georgetown.  Phil is building a Dream Aircraft Tundra and we will have a chance to look at his progress to date.  Details on the meeting will follow in the April report.