EAA Chapter 430 Newsletter, June 2023
Full text of this issue (for search)
In This Issue From the Left Seat Aviation From My Dear Friend’s Rocking Chair June Flyout Shinji Maeda New Member Profiles Advice From a Top Mechanic Minutes Board Member Contact Info Upcoming Events June 24 – Gathering W28 (Sequim Valley Airport) Hangar #15 July 12- VMC/IMC 16- Young Eagles S09 (Port Townsend Jefferson County Airport) 11 am to 3 pm 21- BOD 29- Gathering W28 (Sequim Valley Airport) Hangar #15 24-30 Airventure (OshKosh, Wisconsin)
FROM THE LEFT SEAT – RAY BALLANTYNE Isn’t living on the Olympic Peninsula exquisite this time of year? The Strait glistens and the mountains are magnificent in the sunlight, and we get the additional benefit of seeing them from above. We are truly fortunate to live and fly here. Last month’s Flying Start was a great success! Several participants have expressed interest in learning to fly. We may be looking for people who want to help them with a ground school program in the coming months. Young Eagles is always productive for the kids who are excited about aviation. Such was the case in Port Angeles last month. Our next rally is at Sequim Valley on June 17th. Come out and help or just come to see the excitement. Our last rally will be at Port Townsend on July 16th which will be a Sunday. We always need pilots! Congratulations to Richard Howell for getting the aircraft airworthiness certificate for his new Sling II! He has also already completed his type training in California. Now for the task-based Phase I requirements. Richard is also helping with Build and Fly and the young aspiring aviators will soon have completed their LT-40 electric RC aircraft. Congratulations for birthing a real and baby airplane! We have some exciting events coming up soon. My wife Lisa and I are planning an extended airplane camping trip to Idaho the last of June. We’ll join a bunch of GlaStars at Smiley Creek, spend a night at the Big Creek lodge, and maybe camp in the wilderness areas on the way back. As a result, I won’t be at the June Gathering and the Halsted’s will be absent also. But you’ll be in good hands as Vice President Rick Vaux will officiate the meeting and Judy Stipe from the Sequim Museum will provide a presentation on the history of aviation and airstrips in and around Sequim. It should be very interesting and informative. • Airventure 2023 in Oshkosh, WI will begin on July 24 to the 30th. • Air Affair has been cancelled for this year, so we will have an August Gathering at Bud’s hangar on August 26th. • The annual EAA430 Poker Run will be conducted in July and August and prizes awarded for the best hand at the August Gathering. Let’s make hay while the sun shines and go flying!
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED SITTING ALONGSIDE MY TREASURED FRIEND IN HIS ROCKING CHAIR - ELISA PETERSEN This is our first month with this space being vacated by Rick Vaux. I was thinking really carefully about what we would do with this space to honor Rick. I thought about how we have come to know each other so much better during this past few month’s life journey. And, reflected on how if it were not for this EAA group – I would never have had this chance to know Rick and Cathy in the way I do now. Over the past several months, I have told everyone what a significant role Rick has had in my family’s life. When my youngest son was only three years old, he say much at all. We took him to doctors and specialists. We were incredibly fearful about what might be interfering. My dad was a member at the Museum of Flight and a retired engineer for King County. So, my dad often volunteered to take our son to his speech therapy appointments, extending a reward to the Museum of Flight to see the planes. That is where we first met Rick Vaux.
(what I have learned sitting alongside my treasured friend in his rocking chair continued) On one trip, my dad purchased our son a t-shirt with an airplane on it. My son went to his appointment that following week and showed the speech therapist (Myra) his new shirt. He said to Myra, “see my airplane”. I nearly cried when I heard him speak a complete sentence. Myra encouraged us to continue engaging him on the topic of aviation. That meant that everything we did for to capture his interest evolved around aviation from age three to age nine. LOTS of trips to the Museum of Flight. LOTS of visits to see the most engaging Docent: Rick Vaux. When I arrived in Sequim and attended the meeting with Erik, I immediately recognized Rick. I simply couldn’t figure out from where. Now we are talking about a 15 year gap. Somehow he still looked the same. Cathy is the one who gave me a clue. Without delving too much into my own belief system, I have to say I truly feel that sometimes we come together again to try and be the person to someone else that there were to us. Thank you Rick Vaux. For that child who grew to be an incredible man. For the children who you still connect with in the Build and Fly program. And for the generous spirit you are to all of us in this chapter. Thank you for sharing that wisdom from your rocking chair and all the years leading up to it. That gift certainly didn’t go unnoticed.
- The Petersen/Elliott/Nitz Families JUNE FLYOUT June’s flyout was to Tacoma Narrows, and the weather was beautiful. Eleven folks showed up for a noontime lunch at The Hub restaurant. We had pilots from all over, with the long distance award going to Madeline Patterson. Madeline was in town from Grand Forks, ND. She gave notice she’d like to join the flyout group and John Ward graciously gave her a ride from Port Angeles in his Pipistrel Sinus. This light sport aircraft has a wingspan of nearly 50 feet and cruises a bit over 100 mph at around 3 gallons per hour. Specs indicate that had Madeline had one, she could have flown it from Grand Forks to our luncheon with one fuel stop… Other aircraft that flew in for our event included a Wag Aero J-3 look alike (Jay Pearlman), Glastar (Ray and Lisa Ballantyne), Piper Pacer (Harry Cook), Piper Cherokee 180 (Gordon Tubsing with Brendan Carmody), RV-10 (Tim Alentiev), and Saffire (Barry and Tracy Halsted). I was particularly pleased when Tacoma Tower asked me when I was about 3 miles away if Saffire was a jet! The Hub sits just north of the tower at Tacoma Narrows and there was plenty of room to park. An advance call assured that we all shared a single table and lunch included good food plus lots of talk. I am fortunate to hear comments from our flyout attendees and the one I hear most is that the socialization is really fun. We generally sit together and chat about all kinds of things. We all had fun – and more great flyouts are ahead this year. The next two (July and August) will help qualify those participating in our annual Poker Run. Barry
MAY 2023 - GENERAL MEETING – SHINJI MAEDA Memorial Day weekend, Shinji Maeda and his son, Tsubasa, flew into Sequim Valley with his trusty companion, a red Bonanza P-35 V-Tail he calls, Lucy. Due to weather concerns, Shinji, Tsubasa and Lucy arrived Friday night and was hosted by fellow EAA Chapter 430 members overnight. That Saturday, Shinji entertained almost half the membership for EAA Chapter 430 about his flight around the world and his message of “I’m Possible” (remember, this was a holiday weekend). Shinji flew around the world in “Lucy”. Shinji departed Everett, WA Paine field, May 1st , 2021, 17 countries later, Shinji landed on June 11th , 2021 at Harvey Field in Snohomish, Wa. Shinji shared his logistics, weather and host country military opportunities. Shinji also shared his background, how he lost an eye, unable to achieve his dreams in Japan, he came to the United States where he attended Embrey Riddle, got a pilot certificate, became the first one eyed Japanese Commercial pilot and went on to become a CFI. If you attended, enjoyed the program, and have Facebook, you can thank Shinji with a review here: https://www.facebook.com/aerozypangu/reviews
NEW MEMBER PROFILES: STEVE AND MARIA EMLEY • Tell us about your journeys and how you arrived in the Pacific Northwest. I was transferred to Kent, WA some 35 years ago and fell in love with the PNW. • What inspired you to join the Experimental Aviation Association, and how did you first become interested in aviation? At 6 years old, my dad who was an instructor in the Army Air Corps, WWII, took me for a ride in a Stinson. He put me on pillows and said, “Put the nose on the horizon”. I remember exactly what I said, “Ok Dad, What’s a horizon?” After that I was hooked. All my friends built model cars but I always had airplanes! I got into control line flying and worked my way through PPL at 17, thinking I was going into the airlines. Things changed and family happened so I decided to build an airplane because I couldn’t afford to buy one. I found a Team MiniMax project that was nothing more than a Cuyuna 2 Stroke engine, a box of sticks and a set of drawings. I took 3 years but I finished it and put some 300 hours on that great little plane. Meanwhile, I joined EAA Chapter 1 at Flabob Airport and volunteered to be treasurer. I got to meet some aviation greats like Ed Marquardt (Charger) Bill Turner (DH-88 Comet Replica) and other Quiet Birdmen who were famous in their own right but quiet. • Have you completed any aviation training or obtained any certifications? If so, which ones? Hang VI United States Hang Glider Association. Private SEL Aerobatic Training Commercial Glider Tow Pilot (Piper Pawanee, Cessna Agwagon) • What type of aircraft are you interested in building or flying, and what are your goals for your aviation pursuits? I have only owned three aircraft in my life. The MiniMax that I built, a Long EZ that I cared for, for almost 20 years and my current airplane, a Hatz CB-1 Biplane.
(STEVE AND MARIA EMLEY cont..) • What other hobbies or interests do you have besides aviation? We sail a 40’ sailboat and enjoy the summers on these beautiful PNW waters. • • Have you attended any EAA events or activities in the past, and if so, which ones? Mostly flying and fly outs. Never been to Osh but maybe next year?? • Are you interested in participating in local chapter activities, such as fly-ins, workshops, Young Eagles? I see by your application you are interested in Young Eagles. Maria and I are interested in helping out when we can. Anytime you get airplane people together, we seem to have a great time. Young Eagles are primarily why we joined. Something about that ear to ear grin on the kids faces while they tell their parents how great it was! • What skills or knowledge do you bring to the EAA community, and how do you hope to contribute? I’ve flown for over 50 years without an accident or incident (so far). I’m a 3000 hour VFR pilot skilled in stick and rudder flying. • What do you hope to gain from your membership in the EAA, and how do you plan to make the most of your involvement? Having fun meeting new folks and helping kids realize the GIFT OF FLIGHT. -ejp
NEW MEMBER PROFILE, LINDA RUNION My late husband Lee is responsible initially for my involvement and now it’s the great members such as John, Bud and most of all Tracy for maintaining. I think the Young Eagles program is so important for promoting careers in aviation and just plain fun. Erik, I grew up involved in general aviation through family. My husband was an instructor and volunteered for the Port Townsend Aviation museums student programs. Aviation has just been something I’ve been around and enjoyed for a very long time. I am happy to be a member. Welcome Linda and thank you for your longtime and continued service to the community and our EAA Chapter 430! Here’s a tip from a top mechanic: Over many years of removing seized, corroded, and galled fasteners, I have found the best solution is a 50% to 50% combination of Dextron III ATF and Stoddard solvent. This will easily out perform anything you can purchase in a spray can (Kroil, LPS, Blaster, etc etc). And it’s not just a little better, it is a lot better. Put the solution in something you can drip it out of, like an old school oil pump tin. A few drops on the plug when it is as lose as you can get it, then snug it back in. Back out, lube, back in. It can take some time, but it will much less time and money than the alternative. Ray
EAA Chapter 430 Membership Gathering Minutes Date: May 27, 2023 ● Meeting social and sign-in 0930. ● Chapter President Ray Ballantyne called the Membership Gathering to order at 1012 at Sequim Valley Airport, Hangar 15 ● Ray led The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag with 34 members and 7 guests attending ● Guest(s): Norm and Nathan Nelson, Shinji Maeda and son, Jay De Maio, Sidney Gross, Sid Vandiver, John McMahon ● April Gathering minutes were approved as written. ● Correspondence: Ray touched on contacts with EAA HQ, EAA Chapter 406 and Olympic Silent Flyers. ● Old Business o Flying Start had 9 Eagle candidates, some coming from as far away as Tacoma. One attendee saw the sign posted at Sequim Valley Airport and was persuaded to come. o Young Eagles kicked off the season with a Sunday rally at Port Angeles Wm. R. Fairchild Intl. Airport that flew 33 kids, thanks to the generosity of 7 pilots and their aircraft. Ground support volunteers made the event come together brilliantly. o Rick Vaux reported on the chapter Build N Fly program at the Maker Lab facility provided by Sequim Museum. There have been 6-7 kids plus parents at the build sessions. The LT-40 model airplane is framed and ready for covering. Everyone seems to be having fun and coming back for more. A flying site has been secured, thanks to efforts by Robert Ball of the Olympic Silent Flyers, our local AMA sanctioned electric radio controlled (R/C) model club. Two R/C flying simulators are available, one was recently donated by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), thanks to an outreach by Rick Vaux. The simulators will be coming into play as the kids discover their wings and prepare for a mid-July start of flying their creation. o For anyone interested in possibly joining the Olympic Silent Flyers, please visit https://www.modelaircraft.org/club/olympic-silent-flyers o Ray related the financial condition of the chapter - general fund $3800, scholarship $10200 and building fund $459. o Young Eagles credits have been used to purchase a second LT-40 kit for our next Build N Fly program effort. o Ray reported chapter membership at 93, with 11 new members. Next Gathering Sat June 24th 2023 @ Sequim Valley Airport (W28), Hangar 15 Next VMC/IMC Club Wed June 14th 2023 @ 7 pm Mariner’s Cafe Next BOD Fri June 16th 2023 @ 9 am Mariner’s Cafe
EAA Chapter 430 Membership Gathering Minutes o Barry Halsted reported on flyout activity, the latest being to Skagit Regional Airport. As usual, an enthusiastic group of flyers attended for a nice lunch at the Skagit Landing Restaurant. A few folks from EAA Chapter 406 and the Puget Sound area flew in too. A couple of flyers also took the opportunity to visit the Heritage Flight Museum. Tacoma Narrows looks to be the destination for June. o Barry previewed the Poker Run in July - August. First place prize will be ½ of the proceeds, the balance to benefit the chapter 430 scholarship fund. Entry fee $20. Costco has stepped up with the donation of a $50 gift certificate. Ray called on the membership to rally community businesses to sponsor prizes as well. ● New Business: o Ray showed off the new banner he arranged to have made that reflects recognition of EAA 430 as a Gold Chapter for 2022. o Our next Young Eagles rally event is Saturday June 17, 1100 at Sequim Valley Airport (W28) o EAA 430 is looking for someone to take over and provide a home for the chapter Tool Crib. Please contact any member of the board if you would be willing to take on this valuable role. o Ray led a brief discussion about emails to chapter membership - too many, too few, content, quality, etc. o Ray, Scott F. and others acknowledged that there was an issue with the distribution of the April newsletter which has been analyzed, understood and corrected. o There will be no Air Affaire at Sequim Valley Airport this year, due to potential conflicts with anticipated construction activities. o Runway resurfacing is scheduled to commence on July 10 at Port Angeles Fairchild Airport. The construction will happen in phases, over about 3 months. Pilots - check Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMS) for impacts to the airport and runway(s) status. o Chapter member Gordon Tubesing invited everyone to Diamond Point Airport Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 12, 1000-1500. (visit https://2wa1.org/airport-day/) ● Project Reports o Harry Cook - Sonex Waiex B, control surfaces done, left wing done o James Russell - Cozy Mk. IV (plans built), talked about his work with composites and interesting technology developments he’s exploring with help from Norm Nelson and Norm’s son Nathan. Next Gathering Sat June 24th 2023 @ Sequim Valley Airport (W28), Hangar 15 Next VMC/IMC Club Wed June 14th 2023 @ 7 pm Mariner’s Cafe Next BOD Fri June 16th 2023 @ 9 am Mariner’s Cafe
EAA Chapter 430 Membership Gathering Minutes o Collette Miller - Continuing work on her Sonex while helping others with various projects. o Richard Howell - Sling 2, final preparations for airworthiness certification. o Barry Halsted has been helping to get the Jacobs 350 HP radial engine running smoothly for Richard Humphreys’ 1929 Waco taperwing biplane. ● Ray adjourned the business portion of the gathering at 1045. ● Erik Petersen introduced his friend Shinji Maeda to share his remarkable life story and his 2021 Earthrounder Mission. (visit https://www.aerozypangu.com/earthrounder-mission) ● Thanks to everyone that helped to host our Burger Bash. Respectfully submitted, Richard Howell, EAA 430 Secretary Next Gathering Sat June 24th 2023 @ Sequim Valley Airport (W28), Hangar 15 Next VMC/IMC Club Wed June 14th 2023 @ 7 pm Mariner’s Cafe Next BOD Fri June 16th 2023 @ 9 am Mariner’s Cafe
BOARD AND DIRECTORS 2023 Chapter Phone Toll free 877-EAA-0430 (877-322-0430) Position Name Phone Ext Email Address President Ray Ballantyne 1 president@eaa430.org Vice-President Rick Vaux 2 vicepresident@eaa430.org Secretary Richard Howell 3 secretary@eaa430.org Treasurer Tracy Halsted 4 treasurer@eaa430.org Class II Directors Programs No Candidate 5 programs@eaa430.org Membership Erik Petersen 6 membership@eaa430.org Newsletter Elisa Petersen 7 newsletter@eaa430.org Scholarship David Miller 8 s cholarship@eaa430.org Young Eagles Bud Davies 9 youngeagles@eaa430.org VMC/IMC Harry Cook vmc@eaa430.org Tool Crib Rick Stoffel toolcrib@eaa430.org Web Editor Andy Sallee webeditor@eaa430.org Build-n-Fly Need Project leader build-n-fly@eaa430.org Communications Scott Fitzgerald communications@eaa430.org Fly-Out Barry Halsted Tech Advisor Harry Cook techhc@eaa430.org Tech Advisor Barry Halstead techbh@eaa430.org Tech Advisor Ernie Hansen techeh@eaa430.org Tech Advisor Rick Vaux techrv@eaa430.org
EAA Chapter 430