Minutes of the Meeting of March 8, 2008

For the first time, we met in Bob Martin’s hangar. Bob has offered the use of his space to us for our events. It is a larger area than the pilot’s lounge which will help during our pancake breakfasts. We thanked Bob for the use of the building.

We determined that signs will be needed to direct people to the hangar. The restrooms back at the pilot lounge will still be used, so signs will be needed to display that information.

The web site now has a link to Amazon.com. The chapter will receive a minimum of 4% of the value of any purchased made at Amazon if you enter their site through the link on the eaa1310.org web page. There were no updates on the status of our non-profit application.

The treasury has $6,093. February income was primarily from a pancake breakfast and dues.

The visit to Bradley TRACON and tower is scheduled for April 26, but may need to be changed due to another group’s visit there. We need to begin signups. They need everyone’s name, address, citizenship and phone number thirty days prior to the visit

A trip to Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is being planned for August.

The safety seminar is scheduled for May 31. Jim Adams will have a topic to present, and we will have an aviation weather specialist from the National Weather Service in Taunton, MA

Jack Hilditch gave an update on the Young Eagles day. We can’t reimburse free fuel to pilots since that would impose the FAA Air Tour rules. Some type of fuel discounts are allowed though. A Boy Scout troop came by the airport looking for plane rides, and they were referred to Eric. They have about 30 kids who are interested in flights. We also have about another 28 signed up from the New England Air Museum programs.

The FAA 51% homebuilt completion rule is being examined. We need to keep a close eye on this to be sure we retain the capability of building quick-build kits.

Eric brought up that we need a more formal safety program at our events. We should always have someone with a radio, and to guide planes. This will be coordinated with Allen McInnish

Mike is looking for chapter members to help with the Aircraft Fleet Blessing day on May 3.

A motion was made to purchase plastic name tags for the members. After a spirited discussion, the motion was passed. Paul contacted each member to verify how they want their name displayed on the tag.

Pete extended the offer to share the rented trailer at Sun-N-Fun.

Paul asked the members if we should purchase a larger grill. There was an ad for one at Cabela’s for $300. The purchase was approved. Dave Christman went to purchase the grill. (He was later told that the grill would not be available until mid-June, so the order was cancelled. Other options will be investigated.)

A series of short video clips from EAA were then shown. They have specific tips on homebuilding techniques. We also showed the EAA Oshkosh-The Spirit of Aviation video.