From the Left Seat

As we move into 2022, I look forward to the chapter hosting a flying start event and having a light aircraft pancake breakfast. But as we plan these future events, I think it’s worthwhile to look back at some of the things the chapter accomplished in 2021 with Ken Brown as president.

During this past year, we greatly increased our scholarship fund through direct donations, donation of a helicopter project by Wayne Simpson, sale of the chapter trailer, and the recognition Plaza paver project. Because of these funds we were able to add another scholarship recipient for a total of three.

Barry Halsted did a fantastic job of providing opportunities for fly-outs. In the past year or so we’ve had fly-outs to Thun Field in Puyallup, Forks, Whidbey Airpark, Packwood, Concrete, Hood River, Chehalis, Skagit Co, Friday Harbor, and Port Townsend. On top of all of that, we also had a poker run!

Before he encountered physical issues, Al Gross did a great job connecting with youth providing simulation and Radio Control training last year. The program has languished in his absence.

Under Rick Vaux’s leadership, an Adirondack chair was donated to the Blue Barn at EAA Oshkosh. The chair was constructed, painted, and decorated, then driven to Oshkosh. Also presented was a directional sign showing we are the farthest Northwest chapter in EAA. Helping accomplish these things was Rick, Jim Bess, Madeline Patterson, and Collette Miller. Rick received the new chapter MVP award for his efforts.

We held three Young Eagles rallies which gave a glimpse of the world of aviation to over 150 young people. Because Bud Davies and Tracy Halsted prepare so well, the team of volunteers and pilots pull these events off extremely well. 2022 looks to be an even more productive year. Please help.

We celebrated with the community at Air Affaire, awarded Dave Woodcock and me the FAA Master Pilot Award, and married off the Halsteds and the Hansens.

Thanks to the following members who stepped forward to help the chapter: Tracy Halsted took on not only the Treasurer position but also Membership; Richard Howell is our Secretary; Harry Cook leads the VMC/IMC club; Scott Fitzgerald is the communications person; Rick Vaux continues as Vice President; Skip Brown continues to put out a top-notch newsletter every month; Bud Davies continues as our Young Eagle Coordinator; Dave Miller remains our Scholarship Chair; Andy Sallee is still our Web Editor; Mike Gawley is housing and managing the Tool Crib. Thanks everyone. You keep the chapter Gold!

This month the first Tech Counselor meeting has been scheduled for Rick Stoffel’s RV-10 project. Let me know if you have a project that could benefit from a Tech Counselor party….I mean meeting.

What a great chapter we have, and it’s our 50th anniversary! I hope you find someone to go to the Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade show in Puyallup on February 26-27. I hope we meet next at the KCLM conference room on March 26 at 0900. Until then, keep your airplane flying this winter, and invite someone to go fly with you!

Ray Ballantyne