The March meeting will be on Friday, March 14, 2008 Gerald R. Ford Airport.

MARCH PROGRAM

Gerald R. Ford Tower Operations Tower manager, Steve Dooley will be our host. He will give an overview of tower operations in the Grand Rapids area. We will also visit the radar room, the tower and have a chance to ask questions. (Note: Steve signed up for an evening shift just so he could guide this tour. Our many thanks to Steve.) Directions to the airport and parking location are attached at the end of this newsletter.

DIRECTIONS

Don’t be concerned about the construction at the airport, as it makes our visit easier. The short term parking is right at the north end of the terminal!  Here are the directions:

- Go to 44^th & Patterson SE and take the road into the airport.

- Follow the Red “Short Term Parking” signs past the passenger drop-off point, to the “Short Term Parking” lot.  (Handicap parking is available)

- Take a ticket (It will cost about $3 when you leave).

- Enter the terminal and walk the length of the building to baggage claim area 1

- Turn left and walk up the hallway towards concourse A.

- Meet in front of Starbucks Coffee @ 7pm.

Any questions call Dick Foster at 538-8849.  If you need help on Friday Dick’s cell number is 350-4715

EDITOR’S NOTE:  EAA145 dues ($25) were due in January for the 2008 year. This will be the last newsletter for anyone not paid. To continue receiving this newsletter, contact Bill Willyard immediately.

·        Let Bob S. know if you prefer to receive the newsletter by e-mail in place of postal mail.

·        Check the chapter web page for information or send Bill W. items to put on the web.

February Meeting Report

The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm. Minutes of January’s meeting were read & approved by voice vote.

- SECRETARY’S REPORT: We ended February with a total of $4930.67.  ($921.40 (checking), $3807.12 (saving) and $202.15 in cash.)

- OLD BUSINESS: An agenda for the annual trip to the Kermit Weeks Hangar is forthcoming. It will be available with next month’s newsletter. (See attached information)

- NEW BUSINESS:

1. Articles about Dave McPerron (flying a Cub replica as a right hand amputee) and the controversy over building the EAA Museum were made available (if copies are desired, see Bob Swietek)

2. The possibility of sponsoring the EAA tri-motor for a visit was discussed. Membership comment and/or questions were solicited.  

3. Wayne Fredline’s sale of his Starduster One project for $4800.00 was discussed. If anyone is interested, contact Bob Swietek for details.

4. The upcoming visit to the Grand Rapids tower was discussed. The visit will be the March meeting. Time and directions will be in the

March newsletter. (See attached directions) 5. The possibility of EAA145 sponsoring a Greenville Young Eagles flight in May was mentioned. Dick Foster will provide details at the March meeting.

FEATURED PRESENTATION: Dick Foster presented what courses and information are available to interested persons on the AOPA website. Large selections of interactive courses were previewed. Those interested can log onto “asf.org” and utilize this source of information. Membership in AOPA is not required.

POSSIBLE MEETING DAY CHANGE

A few members have asked that EAA145 meet on a different day. The choices are:

   1. Friday PM,   2.  Saturday AM  3. Saturday PM 

Please indicate your preference to Dick Foster by email or phone as soon as possible.

Future program ideas we are working on:  (Do you have any more ideas?)

Rag & Tube aircraft construction

National Weather Station visit

Hovercraft Shop visit...Don Bender

V tail Sonex...Evan Stroup

Are Quick-Build kits worth it?...topic for discussion

Visit to Jackson, light sport aircraft?

IA Refresher Course, how to inspect aircraft...Gleim’s courses

Private airstrips in Michigan...Repeat visit by Steve Zelle?

Newsletter questions, suggestions or comments?  Contact Bob Swietek

2008 Meeting Dates (subj. to change)

1/11     2/08     3/14     4/11     5/09     6/13

7/11     8/08     9/12     10/10   11/14   12/12  

The 2008 officers for EAA145:

·        President, Hugh Eisen                            

            (669-4072   hveisen@aol.com)

·        Vise President Dick Foster 

            (538-8849   rfoster@grcc.edu)

·        Treasurer, Bill Willyard

            (538-5456  wwillyard@aol.com)

·        Newsletter Editor, Bob Swietek 

            (676-2952  airdale69@aol.com)