FIRST THINGS FIRST

The February meeting will be this Tuesday, February 14, with dinner starting at 7 p.m. in the Chapter 1268 clubhouse, B-5, at Sonoma Skypark.

Dinner will be chili, corn bread and salad by Bill and Jan Wheadon, with dessert by Marsi Fahraji.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

This meeting, I’ll be talking to all of you about Light Sport. What the heck is Light Sport? Can I fly as a Sport Pilot? Is my plane Light Sport? I’ll answer all of these questions for you Tuesday night. I’ll also cover how airspace has changed in the last fifteen years. This way, you won’t be the guy on the radio asking Bay Approach if you can enter the TCA.

Other news is that Sonoma Skypark now has a weather camera! It’s mounted up in the flight school, and takes a picture of the view to the south every 30 seconds. You can see it at www.sonomaflying.com/weather . The top of the hills it’s pointing at are 916′ MSL, so you can use that to figure out the ceiling. How high does it have to be to be legal to fly? You’ll have to come to the meeting to find out!

Travis

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN AND TREASURER’S REPORT

EAA Chapter 1268

February 2012

Treasurer – Our treasury has a calculated value of $5846 versus a bank statement value of $5577.10. The difference is due to the January deposit being made after the cutoff for the January cycle. Credits were accrued by member’s dues renewal. Also dinner receipts were slightly in excess of expenditures. A check to EAA National to cover our annual chapter renewal ($390) was the only debit.

Membership – 17 members have renewed in January which leaves a lot who need to pay their $15 in order to be current. Remember your dues help to sustain our organization by paying for such things as our annual chapter renewal with EAA National ($390) as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

If you’re not sure you have paid, check the color of your name badge. If it’s blue you’re paid, if it,s white you’re not.

Also if you’ve had changes to your email address, telephone #, etc. please put it on the form that comes with the newsletter or pick up one in the clubhouse (in the basket under the name badge board).

Bill Wheadon

EAA 1268 Treasurer and Membership Chairman

YOUNG EAGLES, FEBRUARY 12

Young Eagles was Sunday, February 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. BK will give his report at the meeting, but we had twenty-seven Young Eagles flown by seven pilots; Jeanette Woods, Ron Price, Bill Wheadon, Trevor Meeks, Frank Russo, Nerio Festa and Darrel Jones.

The morning was solidly foggy at the airport but the sun had warmed things up enough that the fog burned off by 10:30 and the pilots stared loading and going. Having some four place airplanes once again made getting this many Young Eagles into the air possible. The waiting list was cleared by noon and the day finished successfully before the clouds started blowing in again in the afternoon.

Registration was once again able handled by Jasmine Villasenor and Marsi Fahraji.

The Valley of the Moon Amateur Radio Club had their demonstration station set up and operating and were able to work multiple long-distance contacts during the morning. Any member of EAA Chapter 1268 interested in earning an amateur radio license can stop by on the Young Eagles second Sunday of the month and get more information about the license requirements and the hobby.

MOVIE NIGHT AT SKYPARK

The February movie night will be Friday, February 24, with popcorn and an exciting aerial adventure serial at 6 p.m. and the 1927 Best Picture Academy Award winner “Wings” as our feature film starting at 7.

There will be pizza  for $5 per person, and popcorn just to whet your appetite (or spoil it).

See you at the movies on movie night, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 at 6 p.m.

DINNER SCHEDULE

The schedule for this year so far is:

SPEAKERS

We are still looking for speakers, so send Travis an email at Jungroth@gmail,com and copy an email to me at wd6bor@vom.com so we can get your information into the newsletter.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

The January meeting will be this Tuesday, January 10, with dinner starting at 7 p.m. in the Chapter 1268 clubhouse, B-5, at Sonoma Skypark.

Roy Meyers will be cooking, so you know, even though he threatens to have “tube steaks” (hot dogs), he always comes up with something tasty. Roy also suggested that we might need to increase the dinner cost to $7 this year to keep up with rising food prices. We can discuss this issue at the meeting on full stomachs.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The EAA Chapter 1268 site is up and live; you can see it now at http://www.eaa1268.org/ . There, you’ll be able to see each month’s newsletter, as well as a calendar of our upcoming events.

Sonoma Skypark’s weather station is also now on-line. Check it out at wunderground.com at Sonoma Skypark, CA

We have movie night again on Friday, January 27 at 6pm. Free admission and popcorn, just $5 for pizza and drinks.

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN AND TREASURER’S REPORT

EAA Chapter 1268

January 2012

Membership – Our president has decided to keep our name badges “sky blue” for 2012 so the key to determining if your dues are paid (a paltry $15) check the color of your name badge. If its blue, you’re paid: if its white, you’re not. A couple “Johnny Cochranism’s” come to mind: “ if your badge is white, something’s not right” or “if your badge is blue, everything’s cool”. At the next meeting I’ll ask for other slogans that hopefully are better.

If you have changes to your profile (new email address, telephone number, street addressee, etc.) please put them on the membership form that’s inside the envelopes in the basket below the badge board.

Treasurer – In December we had one deposit of $151 and one check written to the Internal Revenue Service to cover our 501c3 fee. At the end of the year our checking account balance stands at $5967.10.

See you at the meeting,

Bill Wheadon

MOVIE NIGHT AT SKYPARK

The January movie night will be Friday, January 27, with popcorn and an exciting aerial adventure serial at 6 p.m. and “Spirit of St. Louis” as our feature film starting at 7.

There will be pizza  for $5 per person, and popcorn just to whet your appetite (or spoil it).

See you at the movies on movie night, FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 at 6 p.m.

YOUNG EAGLES, JANUARY 8

Young Eagles was Sunday, January 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. BK will give his report at the meeting, but we had sixteen Young Eagles flown by five pilots.

BK sent the following note to the members:

Just wanted to wish each and everyone of you a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and THANK everyone for their support of the Young Eagles Program this past year.  Needless to say, it wouldn’t happen without the many volunteers who give of their time, money, machines to make our program so successful.  I’m willing to bet we have one of the most successful programs in the country.  I’m looking forward to working with all of you in the coming year and to continue introducing the wonder of flight to our young people.  So many things to be thankful for and at the TOP of the list is your friendship and support.  Look forward to seeing you Next year……..B.K.

SPEAKERS

We are still looking for speakers, so send Travis an email at Jungroth@gmail,com and copy an email to me at wd6bor@vom.com so we can get your information into the newsletter.

FRANK RUSSO AND MIKE MILLER ON AERIAL DAMAGE SURVEY

Frank Russo and local amateur radio operator Mike Miller, WB6TMH, took to the skies during the state-wide earthquake disaster drill, The Great Shake-Out on October 20 to relay earthquake damage information to the Sonoma Valley Emergency Operations Center in the Sonoma Police Station. The only damage was to the Watmaugh bridge.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

The November meeting will be Tuesday, November 8, with dinner starting at 7 p.m. in the Chapter 1268 clubhouse, B-5, at Sonoma Skypark.

This is the meeting at which we nominate (read that as railroad) candidates for officers and then elect them, covering them in all the glory that accompanies their offices. Our current officers think they were elected to two years terms, so be sure not to tell them anything different.

Jeannie Williams and Jeanette Woods will be our celebrity chefs for the November meeting. I haven’t received the menu yet, but they have always treated us to a delicious meal, so be sure to arrive with your appetites intact.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The EAA Chapter 1268 site is up and live; you can see it now at http://www.eaa1268.org/ . There, you’ll be able to see each month’s newsletter, as well as a calendar of our upcoming events.

Sonoma Skypark’s weather station is also now on-line. Check it out at wunderground.com at Sonoma Skypark, CA

Our speaker for November will be Robin Tatman, who will talk about her career in aviation.

The Secretary of State has endorsed our amendment of name change. We are now officially and truly Sonoma Skycrafters EAA Chapter 1268. We won’t have to deal with being Skycraters (notice the missing F) any longer.

We have movie night again on Friday, November 18 at 6pm. Free admission and popcorn, just $5 for pizza and drinks.

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN AND TREASURER’S REPORT

EAA Chapter 1268

November, 2011

We got some money in the bank somewhere.

Bill Wheadon

Membership Chairman and Treasurer

EAA Chapter 1268

(Actually, I haven’t received Bill’s report yet, so I just thought I would throw something in for him until the meeting.)

ED BARKHURST MEMORIAL

Sonoma Skypark sent Ed on his way in grand style on Sunday, October 16.

Bob Berwick gathered Ed’s friends and fellow pilots together for a moving ceremony that included a Navy color guard in starched, gleaming white uniforms, presentation of his flag to his family, a salute from the guns of the veterans’ honor guard, a stirring missing man formation flyover to the sound of Taps played by Bill Smith.

After the ceremony on the ramp in front of the airport office the entire group adjourned to the clubhouse for a lunch catered by Ed’s friends from Suppertime restaurant in Napa.

Bob Berwick led the formation flight in his Travelaire, with Eric Presten, Ron Price, Mike Harris and Peter Gauthier flying the vee off each wing.

Ed would have been pleased to see the warm affection his friends showed as they saw him off on his flight west.

Fair skies and following winds Ed.

MOVIE NIGHT AT SKYPARK

The November movie is my favorite. The following is from Wikipedia.

Only Angels Have Wings (1939) is a movie directed by Howard Hawks, starring Cary Grant and Jean Arthur. It is generally regarded as being among Hawks’ finest films, particularly in its portrayal of the professionalism of the pilots, its atmosphere, and the flying sequences.

Geoff Carter (Grant) is a pilot and the manager of a small, barely solvent air service owned by “Dutchy” Van Reiter (Sig Ruman) carrying mail from the South American port town of Barranca over the Andes Mountains. Bonnie Lee (Arthur), a piano-playing entertainer, arrives one day and becomes infatuated with Carter, despite his fatalistic attitude about the dangerous mountain flying, and stays on in Barranca (not at Carter’s invitation, as he insists on telling her).

The situation is complicated by the appearance of Bat MacPherson (Richard Barthelmess) and his wife Judy (Rita Hayworth). MacPherson is a pilot shunned by other fliers because he once bailed out of a plane, leaving his mechanic — the brother of ‘Kid’ Dabb (Thomas Mitchell), Carter’s best friend — to be killed in the resulting crash. Carter needs pilots badly, but he is unwilling to hire MacPherson even so. However, when Judy begs him to give her husband a chance, he gives in, with the understanding that MacPherson will get the most dangerous flights.

I’m not going to tell any more of the story. You’ll just have to join us Friday November 18 and see it for yourself. You miss this one, you’re going to kick yourself for a long ol’ time.

Check out the trailer at:

ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS

There will be pizza  for $5 per person, and popcorn just to whet your appetite (or spoil it).

See you at the movies on movie night, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18 at 6 p.m.

YOUNG EAGLES, NOVEMBER 13

Young Eagles will be Sunday, November 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. As always BK White is asking for volunteer pilots, ground crew and registration helpers.

We have had another good year flying young people ages 8 to 17 and introducing them to the joy of flight. Worldwide this incredible program had flown over one and a half million Young Eagles. Sonoma Skypark’s EAA Chapter 1268 has flown over a thousand of those kids.

Join us November 13 for our last Young Eagles Day of the year.

DINNER SCHEDULE

We are lining up our celebrity chefs for 2012 so let Roy know if you would like to be one of our sugar cookies. Use the contact form on the site and I’ll put you on the roster.

The schedule for this year so far is:

SPEAKERS

We are still looking for speakers, so send Travis an email via the contact form on the site so we can get your information into the newsletter.

DECEMBER MEETING/XMAS PARTY

The December meeting will once again be a combined EAA Chapter 1268 and Sonoma Skypark shareholders Christmas party.

The dinner and party will be held on Friday, December 2, and will be in Ron Price’s hangar on Row A behind the clubhouse. We have had the party there in the past and it has always been a great venue.

Instead of a white elephant exchange this year there will be a multimedia show commemorating Sonoma Skypark’s twenty-fifth anniversary as a privately owned public use airport.

Sonoma Skypark was started in 1967 by John Thomas on leased land and continued through different management until the death of John Tate, who was the last operator of the airport.

After John’s death the owners, who were not pilots and who lived outside Sonoma Valley put the property up for sale as commercial/light industrial real estate, since the Eighth Street East corridor was developing as Sonoma Valley’s industrial and commercial district.

At the same time the owners of the property Fremont Airport was on sold that property for a shopping center development. Ron Price, John and Kathy Carmichael and other Fremont pilots put together a limited corporation to buy the Sonoma Skypark property and started selling shares to local pilots.

The happy ending to this story is that Sonoma Skypark is not covered with warehouses and has developed into a premier flying community with a strong social orientation.

Kathy Carmichael is putting together a celebration of the airport and has asked people to contribute photos and memories of Sonoma Skypark for the evening’s program. If you have something you can contribute, please give Kathy a call at (707)935-7940.

We will be collecting toys for Toys For Tots at the party. Information on the time and who brings what will be sent after the meeting Tuesday.

Please mark your calendars for the evening of Friday, December 2 for another wonderful wrap-up to a year of flying and socializing.

ED BARKHURST FLIES WEST ON THE FASTEST THING HE CAN FIND

Ed Barkhurst left us last week. We can’t say whether it was by air or motorcycle, but I’m betting it was a thrilling ride. What a life he had! He will be missed by all his friends.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

The September meeting will be Tuesday, October 11, with dinner starting at 7 p.m. in the Chapter 1268 clubhouse, B-5, at Sonoma Skypark.

Ron Price is the scheduled cook, but I don’t know if dinner will be hamburgers and hot dogs or pizza. You’ll just have to turn out up and find out. (Actually, I just received an email from Ron telling me that he and Frank will be cooking dinner.)

Ron and Frank are planning a meat and potato dinner with consideration for the veggies among us.

Robin Tatman has rescheduled her presentation so Chapter 1268’s Air Academy participants can give their report on their experiences in Oshkosh this summer.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The EAA Chapter 1268 site is up and live; you can see it now at http://www.eaa1268.org/ . There, you’ll be able to see each month’s newsletter, as well as a calendar of our upcoming events.

Sonoma Skypark’s weather station is also now on-line. Check it out at wunderground.com at Sonoma Skypark, CA

Our speakers for October are going to be the kids who went to Oshkosh on our scholarships, giving a presentation based on their experiences. I look forward to seeing what benefit was brought from the effort and money everyone put in.

We have movie night again on Friday, October 28th at 6pm. Free admission and popcorn, just $5 for pizza and drinks. Our movie will be Always. A story of daredevil aerial firefighting, starring Richard Dreyfus, Holly Hunter, John Goodman and Brad Johnson.

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN AND TREASURER’S REPORT

EAA Chapter 1268

October, 2011

I have very little to report this month – the bank statement reflects a balance of $7348.10 and two checks have been written. One was to the Sonoma County Tax collector and the other one to a member for reimbursement of travel expenses to the Air Academy.

No new members have joined this month.

That’s all for now,

Bill Wheadon

Membership Chairman and Treasurer

EAA Chapter 1268

ED BARKHURST MEMORIAL

Bob Berwick is planning a memorial for Ed Barkhurst next Sunday, October 16 at Sonoma Skypark starting between 2:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon. He hasn’t finalized all the details but it looks as if it will be catered by Ed’s long-time friends at the restaurant he patronized for years, Suppertime in Napa, with a donation jar out on the table so Ed’s friends can chip in to help with the food.

Bob is planning a fly-by and the local American Legion will have an honor guard. Taps will be played at sunset. Let him know if you would like to join the fly-by and maybe we can work it up into a good-looking missing man formation.

For those of you who don’t know Ed that well, he is a Navy veteran who became a union electrician and worked a long, productive career in the Napa/Solano Local 180 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

He recently underwent surgery to repair an aneurysm but wasn’t able to get his legs back under him to fly again. He had great care from Rusi, his professional home care provider. Ed’s daughter, Triana also stayed with him during his convalescence. Ed also has a son living on the east coast.

Ed loved to ride his motorcycle and had a Harley until the end of his life. He started taking flying lessons after retiring and finished up in an Aeronca Champ he bought and hangared at Sonoma Skypark. He may well have more hours in his short flying career than many of us who have been flying for decades.

Join all of us to share our Ed Barkhurst stories next Sunday, October 16 at Sonoma Skypark. There will be some good ones.

MOVIE NIGHT AT SKYPARK

Always is a remake of the 1943 romantic drama A Guy Named Joe although Spielberg did not treat the film as a direct homage to the earlier World War II melodrama. The film follows the same basic plot line: the spirit of a recently dead expert pilot mentors a newer pilot, while watching him fall in love with his surviving girlfriend. The names of the four principal characters of the earlier film are all the same, with the exception of the Ted Randall character, who is called Ted “Baker” in the remake and Pete’s last name is “Sandich”, instead of “Sandidge”.

For a more detailed review, go to the Wikipedia page at Always

Check out the movie trailer and the opening sequence with a PBY fire bomber picking up a load of water from a lake in these YouTube links.

ALWAYS and the ALWAYS PBY

There will be pizza  for $5 per person, and popcorn just to whet your appetite (or spoil it).

See you at the movies on movie night, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 at 6 p.m.

YOUNG EAGLES, OCTOBER 9

Young Eagles was today, Sunday October 9 from 9 a.m. to noon, although the fog didn’t clear enough for flying until 11:45. Chapter 1268’s Young Eagles pilots extended their commitment and stayed to fly thirteen Young Eagles who had waited for hours for the fog to lift.

Ron Price, Frank Russo, Jeanette Woods, Bill Wheadon and Darrel Jones flew and Jasmine Villasenor handled registration with Paul Seibert working as ground crew and ramp boss.

Join us November 13 for our last Young Eagles Day of the year.

DINNER SCHEDULE

We are lining up our celebrity chefs for 2012 so let Roy know if you would like to be one of our sugar cookies. Roy can be found at Flyboyroy@aol.com. You can also let me know at wd6bor@vom.com and I’ll put you on the roster.

The schedule for this year so far is:

SPEAKERS

We are still looking for speakers, so send Travis an email at Jungroth@gmail.com and copy an email to me at wd6bor@vom.com so we can get your information into the newsletter.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

The September meeting will be Tuesday, September 13 with dinner starting at 7 p.m. in the Chapter 1268 clubhouse, B-5, at Sonoma Skypark.

Walt Lewis and Post 1268 Air Explorers will be cooking dinner, so get ready for hot dogs and S’mores. Just kidding.

Our speaker will be Chris Jurasek from the CDF Santa Rosa firefighting base at Sonoma County Airport.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

I don’t have to much to report for our newsletter. Our speaker for September is Chris Jurasek, Fire Captain at the Sonoma Air Attack Base at Santa Rosa Airport. He’ll be talking about their operations. Their planes include the OV-10 Bronco, and S2 Tracker. (You can grab a photo from http://www.calfirepilots.com/Gallery.html if you like.).

The EAA Chapter 1268 site is up and live; you can see it now at http://www.eaa1268.org/ . There, you’ll be able to see each month’s newsletter, as well as a calendar of our upcoming events.

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN AND TREASURER’S REPORT

EAA Chapter 1268

September, 2011

Membership – We currently have 65 members who have paid their 2011 dues with no new members since last month.

Treasurer – Our current bank balance is $7619.43 with little activity. A deposit was made on August 31 in the amount of $237. One check was written by the treasurer for $150 to reimburse unexpected travel expenses incurred by an Air Academy participant on his return from Oshkosh.

That’s all for now,

Bill Wheadon

Membership Chairman and Treasurer

EAA Chapter 1268

MOVIE NIGHT AT SKYPARK

The next movie at Sonoma Skypark will be Friday evening, September 30 at 6 p.m. and will feature a surprise aviation movie, as well as selected short subjects.

There will be pizza  for $5 per person, and popcorn just to whet your appetite (or spoil it).

See you at the movies on movie night, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 at 6 p.m.

YOUNG EAGLES, SEPTEMBER 11

Young Eagles was today, Sunday September 11 from 9 a.m. to noon. We had an incredible turn out of pilots and airplanes, with Frank Russo, David and Trevor Meeks, Jeanette Woods, Bill Wheadon, Sam McIntosh, Rich Cooper and Darrel Jones flying a total of sixteen Young Eagles.

Jasmine Villasenor did her usual outstanding job handling registration, making everything smooth and easy for the pilots and Young Eagles. Emanuel Burke took over Paul Seibert’s duties this month directing the ground crew, and had little problem herding the unruly Roy Myers, Walt Lewis and Bill Laird. Actually, Bill wasn’t very unruly, but he was hanging with a questionable bunch. Thanks to Rich Cooper for coming out of retirement and being Young Eagles liaison with BK White out of town.

The ceilings were low so the flights didn’t get started until almost 11 but with as many pilots as we had it was no problemo. The weather may have kept more of the public at home thinking we would be weathered out, but we got legal in time to fly.

We had a Boy Scout troop camping at Jack Strehl’s hangar Saturday night so twelve of this month’s Young Eagles were waiting even before the pilots showed up. The Valley of the Moon Amateur Radio Club had it’s antenna and radio station set up so the “hams” were able to demonstrate radio operation for the troops. They even made one contact with a station in Germany.

Chapter 1268 continues to give outstanding support to the Young Eagles program. The pilots who donate their time, fuel and aircraft are to be congratulated, thanked, honored and given big kisses for their generosity.

The secret is that it is a kick to take a kid up for a free flight and let some of their enthusiasm wear off on the pilot. My co-pilot today, a young man named Miles, is planning a career in the Air Force and aviation. I borrowed a seat cushion booster from Bill Wheadon and Miles was actually able to work the rudder pedals as well as the yoke. He did a darn good job flying, as do many of the kids who keep coming back to fly with us.

We are helping ensure the future of general aviation by firing these kids up so they will go on to be the next generation of pilots.

Kinda makes you proud. (As well as giving us a great excuse to bore holes in the sky.)

Come out and join us October 9.

DINNER SCHEDULE

We are lining up our celebrity chefs for 2012 so let Roy know if you would like to be one of our sugar cookies. Roy can be found at Flyboyroy@aol.com or by phone at 415-897-2983. You can also let me know at wd6bor@vom.com and I’ll put you on the roster.

The schedule for this year so far is:

SPEAKERS

We are still looking for speakers, so send Travis an email at Jungroth@gmail.com and copy an email to me at wd6bor@vom.com so we can get your information into the newsletter.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

The May meeting will be Tuesday, May 10 with dinner starting at 7 p.m. in the Chapter 1268 clubhouse, B-5, at Sonoma Skypark.

Catherine Jones will be providing dinner of chicken enchiladas, cabbage salad, chip and salsa, and home made cookies for dessert. I’ll help carry things in from the car.

Our speaker will be Peter Friedman showing slides of Oshkosh 1977 and talking about his experiences in the EAA and homebuilding. Peter is a friend of Bob and Marilyn Avrit and is owner of FRIEDMAN AVIATION ENTERPRISES, a FAA Certified Repair Station at 101 John Glenn Dr. Hangar 2, Concord, CA 94520. his contact information is (925)818-6642 phone, (925)691-9849 fax and email: planesafe@aol.com.

Peter flew out to Oshkosh in his Cherokee 140, evidently while he was still a teenager, since anyone around in 1977 must be pretty old. His suggested title for the evening is “40 years of home built aviation”, so it should be an interesting evening.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The EAA Chapter 1268 site is up and live; you can see it now at http://www.eaa1268.org/ . There, you’ll be able to see each month’s newsletter, as well as a calendar of our upcoming events.

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN AND TREASURER’S REPORT

EAA Chapter 1268

May, 2011

Membership – We increased our membership by one last month with the addition of David Hauke who flew in from the East to inspect and purchase Marty Spragg’s Piper PA16 (Clipper). At the time I met David he was getting checked out and hoped to master all the handling intricacies of this aircraft before taking it home.

There’s been some confusion in regard to reimbursement or lack thereof in regard to the monthly dinners. Some newer members were under the impression that not only did they set up the dinner but that they also had to pay for it! As has been the policy in the past, expenses are reimbursed at the time of the dinner either in cash (if receipts are enough) or by check. All I ask are receipts with your name on them for our records.

That’s all for now,

Bill Wheadon

EAA 124 NEWSLETTER ON-LINE

Check out the Santa Rosa EAA Chapter’s newsletter on-line at:

http://www.eaa124.org and click on the “Newsletter May 2011” file to open or download the newsletter in .pdf format. Chapter 124 has their meeting the week before ours so check their website for the meeting information and program each month.

EAA CHAPTER 167, NAPA NEWS

Aircraft Display Days At Napa.

We will display at KAPC on the third Sunday of every month, starting now, through December, weather permitting. The display area will be in front of Jonsey’s. We need to let Petaluma, Skypark and Santa Rosa pilots know about this. Any aircraft that is either 35 years old, or is deemed to be “rare” can earn display credits to qualify for a property tax waiver for their airplane.

Free Young Eagles Flights For Kids Saturday, May 14th

EAA Chapter 167 plans to provide FREE Young Eagles Flights for kids ages 8-17 on Saturday, May 14th. Kids who don’t get flights on Saturday, will be flown on Sunday, May 15th. The flights are free of charge. Planes and pilots for the event are provided by EAA members. To volunteer, call Bill Wheadon at 707-224-3901. Antique and exotic aircraft are invited to display aircraft during the B -17 visit. Display credits are available for qualifying aircraft.

Napa Airport Pilots Association and EAA. Chapter #167 combined dinner meeting Saturday, May 14^th 6:00 p.m., Bridgeford FBO, hangar ribs, chicken, salad, dessert and good company still just $5.00.

MOVIE NIGHT AT SKYPARK

The next movie at Sonoma Skypark will be Friday evening, May 27 at 6 p.m. and will feature “The Rocketeer”, staring Ted Babini’s (now Walt Bowe’s) Ryan STA, as well as a bunch of other great old airplanes.

The Rocketeer was a graphic novel, which is to say an adult-oriented comic book. Set in the Golden Age of Aviation during the 1930s, it features a young pilot as the hero who flies a rocket-powered backpack, then uses the invention to battle the bad guys. There are some great scenes of classic air racing using actual aircraft of the period, including the Ryan STA, a GeeBee racer and others. Campy, colorful with some great flying scenes. What more could you ask.

The following is from Wikipedia:

The Rocketeer is a superhero created by writer/illustrator Dave Stevens. The character first appeared in 1982 and is a homage to the Saturday matinee heroes of the 1930s and 1940s.

The Rocketeer is Cliff Secord, a stunt pilot who discovers a mysterious jet pack that allows him to fly. His adventures are set in 1938 Los Angeles, and Stevens gave them a retro, nostalgic feel influenced by the King of the Rocket Men movie serial, the syndicated Commando Cody TV series (both from Republic Pictures), and pinup diva Bettie Page.

In 1991, The Rocketeer was released as a feature film by Walt Disney Pictures and was directed by Joe Johnston. Rocketeer creator Dave Stevens has a small cameo in the movie. He is the German test pilot who is killed when the Nazis’ version of a rocket backpack explodes during its take-off sequence. This is a part of the smuggled black-and-white film footage showing the Nazis’ top secret rocket backpack tests.

There will be pizza  for $5 per person, and popcorn just to whet your appetite (or spoil it).

See you at the movies on movie night, FRIDAY, MAY 27 at 6 p.m.

YOUNG EAGLES, MAY 8

Young Eagles will again be on the Sunday before the monthly meeting. The Young Eagles report will be given at the regular meeting and sent in a separate email after the meeting.

DINNER SCHEDULE

We only need cooks for July, September and November. Let Roy know which month you would like to be our star chef. Roy can be found at Flyboyroy@aol.com or by phone at 415-897-2983. You can also let me know at wd6bor@vom.com and I’ll put you on the roster.

The schedule for this year so far is:

SPEAKERS

We are still looking for speakers, so send Travis an email at Jungroth@gmail.com and copy an email to me at wd6bor@vom.com so we can get your information into the newsletter.

We have Don Booker, Eric Presten, the Barnstormers Tour group, Peter Goldman and Les Lucas as other speakers, so we will schedule them in as we go.



FIRST THINGS FIRST

The April meeting will be Tuesday, April 12 with dinner starting at 7 p.m. in the Chapter 1268 clubhouse, B-5, at Sonoma Skypark.

Anna Diaz and Emanuel will be providing dinner from Mary’s Pizza with a big salad.

Our speaker will be Les Goldner talking about the electric airplane he is building. With gas at Skypark now a bargain at $5.41 a gallon, thirteen cents a kilowatt hour doesn’t sound too bad.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The EAA Chapter 1268 site is up and live; you can see it now at http://www.eaa1268.org/ . There, you’ll be able to see each month’s newsletter, as well as a calendar of our upcoming events.

The latest news is that our Chapter President, Travis Morton, has taken over the flight school here at Sonoma Skypark and is now offering instruction in both a nice Cessna 172 and his Citabria. Pretty good for a former Young Eagle.

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN AND TREASURER’S REPORT

First Quarter 2011 Report

Membership- As of April 8, 2011 there are a total of 54 paid members through 2011 and 14 Associate members (spouses or significant others).

EAA 124 NEWSLETTER ON-LINE

Check out the Santa Rosa EAA Chapter’s newsletter on-line at:

http://www.eaa124.org/Newsletter/Apr2011.pdf

MOVIE NIGHT AT SKYPARK!

The “Blue Max”, a coveted medal for achievement in flying, is ruthlessly sought by Peppard, a poor-boy German soldier who climbs out of the trenches and into the aristocratic air force. He is met with prejudice by the other contestants, wealthy snobs who (look down on the lower class soldier). The Blue Max is highly unusual among Hollywood films, not just for being a large-scale drama set during the generally overlooked World War I, but in concentrating on air combat as seen entirely from the German point of view. The story focuses on a lower-class officer, Bruno Stachel (George Peppard), and his obsessive quest to win a Blue Max, a medal awarded for shooting down 20 enemy aircraft. Around this are subplots concerning a propaganda campaign by James Mason’s pragmatic general, rivalry with a fellow officer (Jeremy Kemp), and a love affair with a decadent countess (Ursula Andress). As directed by John Guillermin (who later made The Battle of Britain in 1969), the film’s main assets are epic production values, great flying scenes, and stunning dogfights. The weak point is the sometimes ponderous character drama, not helped by Peppard, who is too lightweight an actor to convince as the driven antihero. Clearly influenced by Kubrick’s Paths of Glory (1958), The Blue Max is a cold, cynical drama offering a visually breathtaking portrait of a stultified society tearing itself apart during the final months of the Great War. –Gary S. Dalkin

See you at the movies on movie night, FRIDAY, APRIL 30 at 6 p.m.

YOUNG EAGLES, April 10

What a day huh?  Severe clear, just as advertised.  The tally for today is twenty-two (22) Y.E.’s got airborne.

Pilots:  Sam McIntosh, John Thomason, Bill Wheadon, Trevor & David Meeks, Andy Smith, Frank Russo, Les Goldner, Ron Price, Travis Morton, Jeanette Woods

Ground Support:  Paul Seibert, Manual, Anna, Jasmine, Walt Lewis, Darrel.Jones

Radio Guys:  Jim Hill, Dave Dammuler, Alan Young, Sanford Smith.

As usual, it was a 100% team effort.  Very unusual, we actually had MORE aircraft than we needed, what a treat.

EVERYONE is to be congratulated.  Looking forward to next month already.

If I forgot any names, it was strictly intentional!!!!  THANKS TEAM…..B.K.

DINNER SCHEDULE

We only need cooks for July, September and November. Let Roy know for which month you would like to be our star chef.

The schedule for this year so far is:

SPEAKERS

We are still looking for speakers, so send Travis an email at travis@sonomaflying.com and copy an email to me at wd6bor@vom.com so we can get your information into the newsletter.

We have Don Booker, Eric Presten, the Barnstormers Tour group and Les Lucas as other speakers, so we will schedule them in as we go. We also have Peter Friedman from Livermore who will talk on “40 Years of Homebuilt Aviation”. We currently have three speakers for May, so we will have to sort that out before then.

EAA 1268 MINUTES

Sonoma Skycrafter EAA chapter 1268

Board of Directors Meeting

March 8, 2011

Chapter Clubhouse – 21870 – 8^th St. East, Sonoma, CA

The Board of Directors meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Darrel Jones, Jeanette Woods, B.K, Bill Wheadon, Walt Lewis, Paul Siebert and Marsi Fahraji. Absent: Travis Morton. Meeting adjourned 7:00 p.m.

Director Darrel Jones has been working on the revisions to the Chapter bylaws to bring them into conformance with the national EAA guidelines. He will submit an amendment form of the Chapter Articles of Incorporation to the California Secretary of State to change the name of the Chapter to “Sonoma Skycrafters EAA Chapter 1268”. Currently the Chapter name is different on four different documents. The cost of filing the amendment is $30. The bylaws revisions will be sent to the voting members for their approval as soon as they are returned from the national EAA office after their review and approval. The Chapter is applying to the Internal Revenue Service for formal 501.c.3 non-profit status. The attorney’s review will cost $250 and the filing will cost $400. The Board of Directors voted to approve the expenditures.

Dinner was prepared by Nelleke and Richard Cooper, and Jan Wheadon. Dinner consisted of beef stew, rolls and salad, with desserts of Irish whisky cake, lemon bars and brownies. Coffee was provided by Gardner and Shelia Bride from the Petaluma Coffee Company.

MARCH EAA 1268 MINUTES

March 8, 2011

GENERAL MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: 7:51 PM by Director Darrel Jones.

Guest & New members: Robin & Tad Chapman.

Young Eagles Report by BK:

29 Young Eagles flown on February 13, with four aircraft flown by Sam McIntosh, Richard Craig, Rich Cooper  and John Thomason.

Ground crew was Bill Wheadon, Margo Porter, Emanuel Burke, Jack Caldwell and Marsi Fahraji.

Air Explorers meeting will be on Sunday March 13 at 12:30. Troy Hewitt will also attend the EAA Air Academy. She has 5 hours flight time in a Piper Colt with an instructor.

Board of Directors’ report: Board members approved sending five Young Eagles to the EAA Air Academy. Chapter 1268 is contributing $800. We have five candidates: Garrett Porter, Emanuel Burke, Amir Fahraji, Ben Preston and Troy Hewett.

The members were asked to help with the expense of sending five young people to this year’s Air Academy by making whatever contribution they can. Chapter has $740 in Young Eagles credits to apply to tuition, room and board. The total cost to send five kids will be about $5,800. Gary MacDonald generously donated $400 to the scholarship fund.

The speaker for the evening was Jim Hill, President of the Valley of the Moon Amateur Radio Club, or VOMARC. He talked about various aspects of the ham radio hobby and announced the annual VOMARC Hamfest and breakfast to be held at the Sonoma Veterans’ Building, 126 First Street West, here in Sonoma, on Saturday April 30, from 8 a.m. to noon. The hamfest will include a $6 breakfast from 8 to 10, an electronics swap meet, an operating radio station and other displays and presentations. Admission is free.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Marsi Fahraji, Secretary

DON CARTER FLIES WEST

Don Price Carter was born on Oct. 3, 1927, to Homer and Margaret (Price) Carter in Liberty Township, Ohio.  After growing up on the family farm, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served in Japan during World War II.  Upon his return from the war, he earned an engineering degree from Purdue University.  He accepted a job with Weirton (National) Steel in West Virginia, and soon transferred to San Francisco, where he met his loving wife, Anne (Zeman).  They married in the city in 1970, enjoyed 26 years together before her passing and raised three children in the bay area.

His love of airplanes and flying became a true passion for Don at a very young age.  He treasured flying his antique airplanes throughout California and the rest of the country, and was a regular at many air shows in the west where he could dazzle onlookers with his aerobatic feats.  His collector vehicles and vintage motorcycles were also close to his heart; he cherished riding all across the United States with his motorcycle buddies.

Don was also an avid water and snow skier and enjoyed many trips to the mountains with close friends throughout the years.

Don passed away at the age of 83 on March 20, 2011, at his home in Sonoma.

He is survived by his children, Kim Carter, of Sonoma; Ryann (and Noah) Pressler, of Flower Mound, Texas; and Lindy Carter, of San Francisco;  two grandchildren, Grant and Grace Pressler;  brother, Jerry (and Marge) Carter, of Hamilton, Ohio; sister, Velma Griffithof Franklin, Ohio; brother-in-law, Dave Meyer, of West Chester, Ohio;  as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his parents; wife, Anne; sister, Doris Meyer; and brother-in-law, Rollie Griffith.  He will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, cherished father, adored “grandpa” and loyal brother and friend who led quite an extraordinary life and is now flying higher than ever before.

All those who appreciated Don are invited to a celebration of his life at the Schellville Airport in Sonoma, on Saturday, June 11, 2 p.m., for a day filled with flying.
Ryann Pressler

817-491-4661

SKYPARK’S OWN TYLER ORSOW HAS FLOWN WEST

It’s especially hard to lose one of our airport kids. Fair skies and following winds Tyler.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

The March meeting will be Tuesday, March 8 with dinner starting at 7 p.m. in the Chapter 1268 clubhouse, B-5, at Sonoma Skypark.

Rich and Nelleke Cooper are preparing a delicious beef stew, salad and Irish Whiskey cake. You can RSVP to Rich and Nelleke at nellekecooper@vom.com to let them know how many people will be at dinner.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The EAA Chapter 1268 site is up and live; you can see it now at http://www.eaa1268.org/ . There, you’ll be able to see each month’s newsletter, as well as a calendar of our upcoming events. Trevor built it on a very customizable platform, so there is still a lot more potential. Things like a photo gallery for young eagles is not far off. If there’s a lot of interest in using the site, I could add more features and do a short presentation on how to use them. In the mean time, try taking a look.

MOVIE NIGHT AT SKYPARK!

Howard Hughes’ epic World War I tribute to aviation is our feature movie for March.  Starring Ben Lyon and James Hall, the black and white film offers a special color section with the eighteen year young and beautiful Jean Harlow.  Filmed on location in Van Nuys to replicate the European countryside, the production moved to Oakland for the flying sequences taking advantage of the spectacular cloud formations. Mr. Hughes lavished 3 million dollars on this film making it the most expensive movie production in 1930.  The grand daddy of all of the aviation movies, we are pleased to show it on our club house screen with another exciting installment of our serial, “Mysterious Pilot.”  As always, the movies and popcorn are free of charge and pizza and a beverage is only $5.  The movie will be on Saturday night this month, after the Friday night Sonoma Skypark Shareholder’s Meeting.  Hope to see you at 6 PM!

See you at he movies on movie night SATURDAY, MARCH 26 at 6 p.m.

YOUNG EAGLES

The TEAM came through big time on Sunday 13 Feb.  It was a little foggy up until about 10:30, but then it cleared off and with no breeze it turned out to be a GREAT day.  Our biggest problem was NOT ENOUGH Airplanes.  A lot of our regulars were either out of town or their Flying Machines were down for Annual.  Anyway, John Thomason, Rich Cooper and Richard Craig did almost “Hot Turnarounds”.  Then the Ace in the Hole showed up in the guise of Sam McIntosh with his 182, which could accommodate 3 Young Eagles.  So between these four Saints we managed to fly TWENTY-NINE (29) Younguns.  Marci handled the Admin details with assistance from Bill Wheadon and Margo Porter.  Other participants were Darrel, Emanuel, Walt, Roy, Jack Caldwell.  Andy Smith was the Sky Park Rep. and got all the doors open, signs out, coffee made etc.  I just can’t express my gratitude to ALL those who participated.  I’m willing to bet we have one of the most successful programs in the country.  It’s the VOLUNTEERS that make the difference.  Looking forward to our next Fly Day March 13th (again).  GREAT HUGH THANKS!

B.K., Young Eagles Coordinator

The weather has been beautiful, and should be again next weekend, so we can expect a good turnout of kids to fly. Please make a point of coming out to Sonoma Skypark for the morning to lend a hand.

DINNER SCHEDULE

We only need cooks for July, September and November. Let Roy know for which month you would like to be our star chef. You can also let me know at wd6bor@vom.com and I’ll put you on the roster.

The schedule for this year so far is:

SPEAKERS

We are still looking for speakers, so send Travis an email at Jungroth@gmail.com and copy an email to me at wd6bor@vom.com so we can get your information into the newsletter.

TYLER ORSOW LOST IN CRASH

I’ve waited until the end of this newsletter to write the sad news that one of our own Sonoma Skypark airport kids died in an aircraft accident in Abu Dhabi.

Tyler was part of the crew ferrying a Turbo Grumman Goose conversion, the McKinnon G21G, from the United Arab Emirates to the United States. Also killed were pilot Chuck Kimes and owners Landon Studer, the owner and general manager of Triple S Aviation; Joshua Hucklebridge, the company’s international project manager.

Tyler was the son of Terry Campbell, who had been a shareholder at Sonoma Skypark and who served on the Board of Directors. Terry, who moved to Calaveras and started a seaplane instruction business there, was instrumental in forming EAA Chapter 1268 here at Sonoma Skypark.

Tyler has been on my mind since hearing about the accident. We all expect and hope to grow old before we die, but the loss of someone young is never part of our expectation of life. Our grief at losing a parent is still part of what we expect, as difficult as that is. The grief of a parent losing a child is incomprehensible. The only thing we can think of saying is “I’m so sorry.”

I’ve been thinking of an old Peter, Paul and Mary song, “Forever Young”. We had lost a nephew to a motorcycle accident when he was thirty-six. I remember that intense pain and grief that never seemed to subside. We have his photographs up in nearly every room, but the one I see most is the one of Dan smiling, printed from the computer on plain paper and stuck to the refrigerator with a magnet. After several years I realized that he is still part of our life, but as we grow older, he will remain forever thirty-six, forever young.

My mother told me that my baby sister who died as an infant was now a star in the heavens. As a child, when I looked up on a starry night I was comforted knowing she was up there with everyone else who had ever died.

When I look up now into the night sky glittering with all its stars, I will see Tyler with his youthful smile, forever young.

SUSPICIOUS CHARACTER SEEN AROUND THE AIRPORT

Suspicious character? None other than our own Jack Caldwell and his Luscombe. Son Jay is flying the begeebers out of it, just for fun. He told me the other day that there is no excuse for working on a nice day when you could be flying instead. I like that.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

The February meeting will be Tuesday, February 8 with dinner starting at 7 p.m. in the Chapter 1268 clubhouse, B-5, at Sonoma Skypark.

Bill and Jan Wheadon are doing chili for this month’s meeting. Dinner is $6 per person.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The EAA Chapter 1268 site is up and live; you can see it now at http://www.eaa1268.org/ . There, you’ll be able to see each month’s newsletter, as well as a calendar of our upcoming events. Trevor built it on a very customizable platform, so there is still a lot more potential. Things like a photo gallery for young eagles is not far off. If there’s a lot of interest in using the site, I could add more features and do a short presentation on how to use them. In the mean time, try taking a look.

MOVIE NIGHT AT SKYPARK!

Our next movie night will be Friday, February 25th. The movie is “Tora Tora Tora”, a dramatization of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the series of American blunders that allowed it to happen, as told from both sides. It’s on the longer side, so the main feature is going to start promptly at 7. Our monthly serial, The Mysterious Pilot, and trailers will start at 6:30. Set up and social hour will start at 6. So come out as early as you like. Still just $5 for pizza and a movie.

“Tora Tora Tora” is the story of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, told from both the American and Japanese perspective.

This carefully crafted film shows the diplomatic maneuvering, military preparation and planning by the Japanese, and the American forces best efforts to prepare for an as-yet unknown threat. The film was made with generous actual aerial footage and realistic depiction of the attack.

See you at he movies on movie night Friday, February 25 at 6 p.m.

YOUNG EAGLES

February Young Eagles will be next Sunday, February 13, starting at 9:00 a.m. A number of our regular pilots and ground crew will be out of town so we especially need as many of our chapter members as possible to help out.

The weather has been beautiful, and should be again next weekend, so we can expect a good turnout of kids to fly. Please make a point of coming out to Sonoma Skypark for the morning to lend a hand.

DINNER SCHEDULE

We only need cooks for July, September and November. Let Roy know for which month you would like to be our star chef

The schedule for this year so far is:

SPEAKERS

We are still looking for speakers, so send Travis an email at travis@sonomaflying.com and copy an email to me at wd6bor@vom.com so we can get your information into the newsletter.

EAA 1268 MINUTES

JANUARY 11, 2011

The Board of Directors’ meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. or there abouts.

The officers and board members authorized Chapter 1268 to submit a deposit of $900.00 to EAA Air Academy to reserve two positions in each of the three age group sessions for the Air Academy this summer for participants sponsored by EAA Chapter 1268, Sonoma Skypark Airport and Air Explorer Post 1268. Chapter 1268’s total contribution will be $800.00, with $100.00 returned to the club treasury after our participants are selected.

President Travis Morton will be working with Trevor Meeks to upgrade the chapter website. Past and future newsletters will be posted there, along with photos and reports of club activities.

The chapter by-laws need to be revised to bring them into conformance with chapter practices and state and federal records. The revisions will be emailed to all current members for comment and approval.

The Board of Directors’ meeting was adjourned at about 6:50 and the regular meeting called to order after dinner at about 7:40.

Roy Myers provided lasagna, with contributions and help from Jeannie Williams, Ray Spengler, Frank Russo and Nelleke Cooper.

President Travis Morton gave the report of the Board of Directors’ meeting to the membership.

January Young Eagles flew 18 rides with five pilots.

Andy Smith recently earned his CFI Glider certificate.

New members are Margo and Garrett Porter, and Peter Goldstein.

Gardner Bride is home and doing well with his physical therapy and recovery. (In fact, he has been out for Saturday hamburgers the last two weeks!)

The meeting was adjourned at about 8:00 p.m.

Our speaker was Craig MacDonald, who showed slides and talked about his new airport, 4MN9, in Park Rapid, Minnesota. He also talked about a PA-15 restoration he had done in Massachusetts.