Fox Valley Flying Club

Minutes from The FVFC meeting held on January 14, 2010 (because the January 7 meeting was cancelled due to weather) (as recorded, typed and submitted by Dan Gathercoal).

Meeting called to order by Roger Kellogg at Charlie’s Restaurant, Clow airport 7:05pm

Visitors – None

Roger welcomed the members, reminding them that it is January and it is time to pay the club dues

Reviewed the agenda

Roger noted that going forward he would make the decision regarding cancelation of a meeting due to weather the night before so that members can be notified.

Reports

The Secretary read the minutes from the November meeting

The treasurer reported a balance after covering the costs of the Christmas party of $2,877.49

Noted that dues for approximately 30 members are expected

Education – Nothing to report

Website – Brian Gilomen reported that the minutes from the November meeting were posted AND a new Newsletter was posted

Clow Report – Kevin Bertorelli reported receiving word from Joe the airport manager that the airport would be accepting federal funding for the perimeter fence and improvements

This will require that a modified and more formal lease agreement with the hanger owners be put in place. The agreement will state that the hangers are for aircraft not general storage.

Cushing report – The Sport Curser has been moved to Aurora for the winter. Some flying off skis had been happening but with the thawing of the snow the field was a mess.

Continuing Business – FVFC Demonstration team to fly at Oshkosh, 2010. No one seams interested in stepping up to the challenge.

Emerging Business

Next meeting, Feb 4 at Charlie’s

Christmas Party

Many thanks to Kevin B. and all those who helped organize the 2009 Christmas Party

A suggestion was made to move the next party to Arrow Head Country Club and have the party in the evening

After much discussion of the pros and cons a motion passed to have the 2010 Christmas Party at Arrow Head Country Club on Sunday December 12th at 5:00pm

A discussion of what portion of the cost will be “per person” and what portion will be covered by the club was tabled until a later date.

Feature Presentation

Ken Graham – Flying to Alaska following the Alaska Highway through the Yukon.

Ken gave a talk on a trip he took with a friend in a C172 up to Alaska along the Alaska Highway

This is a very remote area and requires careful planning of fuel stops etc.

Ken noted that at one point a section of the highway is actually designated as an airstrip, complete with wind socks at each end and signs for the ground traffic “No Stopping or Standing, Airstrip”

Ken landed on this section of the road only to find when he turned the airplane around for takeoff there was a distant dust cloud indicating an oncoming truck. Given that the road was too narrow for both a truck and an airplane Ken decided a short field take off was necessary. Ken reported getting airborne close enough to the on coming 18 wheeler to experience a “pretty good pucker factor” and that the truck driver looked to be in shock.

Ken promised to bring pictures from his trip to a future meeting.

PILOT ED. With Roger Kellogg

Stall/Spins, how they happen, why are they bad, what to do

Stall spins are bad, statistically 1 out of 5 end in a crash, usually fatal. Usually happens to experienced pilots, not statistically higher occurrence with rooky pilots

Roger discussed the aerodynamics of the stall. Symptoms of stalls. Recovery from stalls and avoidance

Stall spins occur when you have asymmetric stall or one wing stalls before the other, often happens in a turn

Recovery, Throttle to idle, Ailerons neutral, Elevator (nose)down, rudder opposite the direction of the spin. If you are disoriented push the rudder on the side you are stuck to

Once the spin stops gently recover from the dive.

The main takeaways from the discussion – Stall spins are deadly. They are surprising and disorientating. Best if you avoid them. Always maintain focus on flying the airplane and avoid distractions

If you feel you are close to a stall or are stalling control the aircraft with the rudder, aileron movement down can cause the stall.

PROJECT UPDATES

Phil B. Rans – Now at the hanger at Cushing, slow progress due to the weather but is ready for final assembly. Phil also noted he has his insurance in place

Steve V. Kitfox – Steve reported he is working the wings

Tom H. Kitfox – Tom is Working the wiring, reworked the throttle linkage, instrument panel is made (looks good)

Roger K. RV – Roger reported he was working the tail fairings

Bill Fort – Building a Kolb Firestar from a 1985 Kit

FLYING REPORTS

Andrew Kellogg reported that he had been training in a Grumman Ag Cat. A large Ag Plane powered by a P&W Radial engine. Andrew expects to fly the plane doing spray work in southern IL. This summer

Andrew reported that the Ag Cat is an easy flying plane but with lots of torque from the big engine. Andrew showed pictures of the airplane showing the complete sides come off for maintenance and cleaning

GOOD OF THE CLUB

The EAA Ford Trimotor is coming to the Cavalcade of Airplanes at Clow. Clow needs volunteers for the Cavalcade

Joe S. noted, Run your engines, do not let them sit all winter

Joe and Steve know someone with a converted VW engine for sale.

There will be a 8 week no fly zone around Vancouver during the Olympics

The latest FAA aviation news letter is available on line

The latest FAA aviation safety bulletin; Do not reset a breaker that has “popped” in flight

Thank you, to Ken, Roger, and Charlie’s

Meeting adjourned at 9:10pm