September's Meeting Minutes
Respectfully Submitted by Jeff Dinius, Secretary

The meeting was called to order by Mike Bond.

On the Spot: the designated On the Spot person was not present so Dave Biesemeier was designated. Dave started flying in 1975. He took 4 years and built his Sidewinder. He used an O-290 initially but soon switched to an O-320. This turned out to be an excellent combination. Dave has used the Sidewinder to compete in the Airventure distance races several times. Dave has flown the Sidewinder coast to coast several times but never very far north or south. Dave’s wife used to fly with him but has decided commercial airlines are more suitable to her travel needs.

Dave had an interesting experience on one of his races. He had departed Kitty Hawk and was cruising along almost to Dayton when there was a strange vibration. He found a small airport and landed quickly. He found his wooden prop had split and was no longer usable. The race committee came to get him and take him on to Oshkosh for the show. Dave got a loaner prop and returned to fly the Sidewinder back home. After a few miles, Dave found the loaner prop was so badly out of balance that he had to land and use a makeshift method to balance it well enough to fly home. The rest of the trip was without incident.

Treasurer’s report: Ernie reported our finances are doing well. For more details, contact Ernie Stevens..

Young Eagles: Leslie stated that she had 7 first timers and 4 that would like to fly again. It was Leslie’s understanding that the Young Eagle program was for first time fliers. She brought this situation to the attention of National but their response was not definitive. They reiterated that the program was established for first time fliers but that each chapter could make exceptions. The topic was discussed and the decision was that first time fliers would get priority but we would continue to fly people until the supply was exhausted or circumstances prevented continuing. People with multi-place aircraft usually only fly one at a time but maybe the other two seats could be used for the second plus rides.
A possible early October rally was discussed. The date of Oct 4 was chosen as the primary with the 5th as a backup. Leslie would check with Allegiant Air’s schedule as their terminal building worked very well for the last rally. Leslie would verify the facility is available and round up pilots. Dale mentioned he had a couple more if they could make it during the rally.

Derek asked about pilot requirements to fly Young Eagles. Leslie was also going to check and report back to the group.

Nominating Committee: Mike Bond mentioned the need for a nominating committee. No one in the small group present was interested in being named to the committee. Mike said he would do what he did last year and put every member’s name in a hat and draw out three. If anyone is interested in being named to the committee, contact Mike and he will be certain you are part of this important function.

Announcements: Dave Biesemeier mentioned a group he used to belong to at Jeffco. They are an educational group focused on getting youth started in a career in some aviation related activity. This was not just focused on flying but controllers, inspectors, mechanics, all of aviation. The reason he mentioned this is the group has obtained a 100 year lease on some land and would like to erect a building for use in their educational activities. They are in the fund raising phase and would appreciate any assistance any one would be willing to donate.

The Radial Engine fly in is scheduled for Sept 6th at the Akron airport. Dale mentioned the Yak group would be present.

There is also a seminar to be held in Cheyenne Tuesday the 9th of September on icing.

Program: There was not a program for this evening so Dale Matuska volunteered to tell us about his new airplane. The new airplane is a Yak 52 TW. This version is a tail dragger with a 400 HP radial engine. The exterior is all metalized and the main gear retracts all but 3” into the wing. This aircraft was designed and manufactured for the western market. The cockpits are larger to accommodate US pilots. All the instruments and markings are in English with a different layout to the panel. This aircraft was built in 2003 and only has about 125 hours on it.

Dale has not actually purchased the airplane as of yet although he has offered. The seller has hinted and made comments that he should sell but has not officially accepted an offer. Dale is proceeding and may have a new arrival at any time.

Dale told the group of his trials when taking his check out for formation flying. This was interesting and proved there are all kinds of people that fly. To understand the last statement, you needed to attend the meeting. It would lose something in the translation to written words.

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