EAA Chapter 430 Membership Gathering Minutes

Date: Jan 25, 2025

• Chapter President Ray Ballantyne called the Membership Gathering to order at 1000 in the Terminal Conference Room, Wm. R. Fairchild Intl. Airport (KCLM).
• Ray led The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag with 38 members and 4 guests attending.
• Ray led thank-you’s and applause to our hospitality directors - Charlene and Kevin Tracy and our other volunteers. Special thanks to Joan Miller for her outstanding Apple Cake - yum!
• Guest(s): Chris Greimes and son Sebastian, Kevin Corliss, Ed Hatloff(?). Chris and Sebastian are interested in Young Eagles and Build and Fly programs. Kevin has a JustAircraft Highlander.
• November Gathering Minutes were approved as written. (No December gathering, in lieu of holiday dinner party)
• Ray mentioned a bit about correspondence conducted with Sequim Valley Airport (building lease) and Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe (fundraiser auction items and possible dinner venue) Old Business:
• Treasury - Our financial picture reflects funds of approximately $4000 for scholarship, $150k for building and $6000 for operating.
• Membership now stands at 110
• Fly-out Barry Halsted - Weather issues resulted in a late destination change from Bremerton (PWT) to Port Townsend (0S9), and then last minute cancellation. Nevertheless, 2 planes showed up and there were a few drive-ins as well. Look for a re-try to PWT for February.
• Building Committee (Barry Halsted, Ray Ballantyne, Ernie Hansen and Norm Nelson) - have been working to define lease property boundaries. Our SVA 50 year, no-cost lease is looking pretty much like a done deal.
• Norm Nelson has prepared a detailed design drawing of the facility that could save the chapter as much as $7000 in outside design(er) costs.
• Ray displayed the impressive 3D views of the building that were drawn by Norm.
• We expect to be able to take Norm’s drawings to a building engineer to develop plans.
• Among other features, the design anticipates a 40’ D x 50’ W structure with a 15’ x 20’ inside (class) room with sliding glass doors, an innovative full-sized folding stairway to a mezzanine and concrete floor.
• There was quite a discussion about features and suggestions from membership. The threshold of members present, just over 30%, was sufficient to establish the quorum necessary to conduct chapter business.
• A motion to approve spending (to the limit of existing funds) for design and engineering work, was proposed by Linda Priddle, with a second from John Cuny. After further membership discussion, a vote was taken by show of hands - all in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.
• The need for another motion was advanced and then proposed by Ernie Hansen, with a second from Keith Kretschmer, that EAA Chapter 430 President Ray Ballantyne be authorized to sign the 50 year lease agreement with Sequim Valley Airport (once finalized) on behalf of the Chapter. After a brief membership discussion, a vote was taken by a show of hands - all in favor, non opposed. Motion carried.
• Young Eagles Build and Fly - Richard Howell updated membership with news that we received a generous donation of flight simulator equipment from Mr Chuck Emig, member of Olympic Silent Flyers, Model Airplane Club. The simulator is in storage and we’re looking forward to a home for it in our new chapter hangar. Linda Priddle reminded us that EAA 430 has been fortunate to receive fantastic support from Olympic Silent Flyers (OSF), Maker Lab facilities from Sequim Museum & Arts, and access to an R/C model flying field with amenities from Northwest Security Services. We have seen a build-up of interest and we’ll be putting together some more Build and Fly events for kids and parents in the very near future.
• VMC/IMC Club - Harry Cook reminds us that we have regular meetings on the second Wednesday of each month. Turnout has been great. We share and learn about real world flying for VFR and IFR. Next meeting is Feb 12th. New Business:
• Ray shared that friend and neighbor Richard Humphreys is liquidating an amazing collection of tools, memorabilia and other items from his workshop/hangar, including an extensive collection of R/C models and gear. Please touch base with Ray or Barry if you might be interested.
• Ray shared plans for an upcoming fundraising dinner (in April)
• Ray Foundation Scholarship - we’re waiting for our Chapter application to be approved
• Merchandise - EAA 430 Chapter logo items are immediately available for sale today - hats $20, shirts $25.
• No 430 Chapter Gathering in February. Many folks will be attending the WAA - NW Aviation Conference & Trade Show in Puyallup, WA. Feb 22-23.
• Projects
• James Russell - Work on an RV-4 firewall
• Harry Cook - Sonex Waiex B, gear on, windscreen fitted
• Business portion of the gathering was adjourned at 1104.
• Program - Richard Howell was our speaker today, delivering a talk “23 Years of Flying Adventures - Take the Airplane and Go Somewhere”
• Westside Pizza was enjoyed after the talk Respectfully submitted, Richard Howell