EAA Chapter 430 Membership Gathering Minutes May 28, 2022

Meeting social and sign-in 0930 Chapter President Ray Ballantyne called the Membership Gathering to order at 1017. Ray led The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag with 23 members and 2 guests attending. Guest/New Member Intro’s: Kevin Widdowson, Sam Davies Approve Minutes: April minutes were approved as submitted.

Correspondence:

Ray gave a trip report for National Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) - Biennial Leadership Conference in Pewaukee, WI, including a flyout to Pioneer Field in a Cessna C-185. Ray congregated with luminaries of the general aviation world, including John McKenna, (RAF Chairman), Mark Baker (AOPA President) and Jack Pelton (EAA CEO, COB).

Ray offered some final words of enthusiasm about the Flying Start event that will kick off after the gathering today and reported that an EAA Chapter Blast email had been sent to promote the event.

Thanks to Young Eagle volunteers for their tremendous effort and success with the May 21 event! There was a member question about Young Eagles events vs. compliance with FAR 91.146 - passenger-carrying flights for the benefit of a charitable, nonprofit, or community event. There was discussion and Ray pointed out guidance from EAA HQ and other sources that EAA 430 volunteers and pilots are all completely within the regulations and the member discussion generally affirmed that view.

Chapter member Erik Petterson brought attention to the availability of corporate matching funds programs to benefit 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations (such as EAA Chapter 430) for employee time and expenses towards activities like Young Eagles. Erik pointed out that Microsoft is one company with such a program.

It was noted that some Young Eagles participants may not be getting a full post-flight experience with their generous pilots as some of the kids are rushed away for other activities that are available and ongoing at the same time and place as the Young Eagles event. There was some discussion about possibly coordinating a Young Eagles event at Port Townsend, Jefferson County Airport. Old Business:

One more helicopter blade available for $75 - don’t be left out! Several members were present to finally receive their Young Eagles appreciation certificates and pins for past service. More thanks! Barry Halsted reported briefly about the May flyout to Friday Harbor. He teased a June flyout destination - Orcas Island - and another fun Poker Run for July. Dave Miller quickly reported that our 3 scholarship recipients are doing well and that 1 had graduated!

There are still several of the beautiful signed, limited-edition Alaska aviation prints available - please consider purchasing one for a suggested $20 or perhaps collect some or all of the set for a suitable donation to the Scholarship Fund. Don’t miss out! Ray will be contacting his volunteers in June to complete the Recognition Plaza at Sequim Valley Airport and speculated about the possibility of soliciting a donation (from a local business) of blank bricks to fill out as yet unclaimed positions in the plaza. New Business:

Gordon Tubesing enthusiastically invited everyone to Diamond Point Airport Appreciation Day, Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 10am - 3pm. Lots of fun activities, displays, food and flying. See you there! Jeff Smith asked for help with FlyQ and Dynon Avionics integration. Volunteers made themselves known. EAA Chapter 430 Merchandise is available - Mugs, hats, keychains, etc. Don’t be shy. Chapter Vice President Rick Vaux has more info. (You’re welcome Rick!) Rick Vaux has a collection of model airplane items that he will be auctioning though a club and donating proceeds to the building fund. Do we have a volunteer to resume our Build and Fly program? We have the materials, but need someone to take the lead. Ray provided a brief update about anticipated upgrades coming to Sequim Valley Airport, including new box hangers, runway rehabilitation, tree trimming, and water supply. We got a look at the new banner to celebrate EAA 430 - Gold Chapter status for 2022! Our June 25th chapter membership gathering will return to Sequim Valley Airport (W28), hangar 15.

VP Rick Vaux will fill in for President Ray Ballantyne who will be at a backcountry fly-in in Idaho. (Oohs and aahs…) Project Reports Dave Moffitt - via scuttlebutt, RV-12 into the weight and balance stage. Richard Howell - Sling 2, FAA registration N842RH in-hand, completing LH flap and aileron closures and fitting of fiberglass wingtip. His 1984 PA-28-161 Warrior II is for sale. :-( Harry Cook - Sonex Waiex B empennage kit received!

Rick Vaux - ultralights restoration (after model airplane items inventory completed). Rick Stoffle - via scuttlebutt, RV-10 work ongoing.

Ray adjourned the gathering at 1125.

Pizza and other refreshments Local aviation enthusiast Sam Davies delivered a fabulous presentation about his flying family and especially his remarkable grandfather and the numerous airplanes he built and flew over the years, with many photos and lots of background about Sam’s airstrip property - Big Andy. Thank you Sam!! Respectfully submitted, Richard Howell, EAA 430 Secretary