February 2004 Newsletter
	February 28, 2004 Meeting of EAA Chapter 1232 The February 28th meeting was held at the CAP Trailer with 17 folks in attendance. Ray Brice chaired the meeting. Young Eagles – The Chapter’s Young Eagle event is scheduled for June 26, 2004 at Gnoss. There was discussion about expanding the scope to be more of a general aviation event with participation of service groups. Phil Simon and Bill Bastida will host a BBQ lunch and Tom Schiff took the action to identify a group that would host a breakfast. Volunteers will be needed to plan the event. EAA National also recognizes EAA Members who have flown at least 10 youth in the past 12 months. Both Dave Ward and Ray Brice have received EAA Flight Leader recognition as both passed this milestone in 2003. Chapter Project - The Chapter will help the Civil Air Patrol paint their trailers at Gnoss once the weather improves. Tom Schiff is coordinating this effort for the CAP. They are also looking for assistance to install ductwork in the trailers for HVAC. Aviation Safety - The amateur-built aircraft accident rate has taken a major decline over the past year, with Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) programs playing a major role in the remarkable reduction in accidents and fatalities. Figures released by the Federal Aviation Administration indicate that the homebuilt aircraft accident rate has dropped 25 percent for the 12-month period ending Sept. 30, 2003. Over that same period, the fatal accident rate has dropped an even more remarkable 36 percent. These figures are especially impressive because registrations of amateur-built aircraft have reached record numbers. Over that same 12-month period, total homebuilt aircraft registrations grew to more than an all-time high of 25,000 in the U.S. alone. More details are available on the EAA Website Treasurer’s Report – bank balance the end of January was $692.38. Disbursements during the month totaled $180.00 and were for the Chapter’s liability insurance and annual fee to EAA National. Membership – we have seen significant growth in member ship over 2003 with 31 folks paying 2004 dues. There are still several “regulars” who have not paid dues so the count will go up a bit. If you have not yet paid the dues ($25/year), please do so as soon as possible. Aviation Safety Program – March 16, 7-9 PM at the Aeroventure Bldg, Petaluma Airport there will be an Aviation Safety Education Seminar on use of flight simulators for aviation training. The program qualifies under the FAA Wings Program. Reservations are required. Contact Aeroventure at (707) 778-6767. Fabric Piper Restoration Seminar – EAA Chapter 1073 (Truckee Tahoe Airport) is hosting a 3 day seminar/workshop (May 21-23, 2004) relating to topics about rebuilding and maintaining fabric covered pipers. Reservations are required. Ron Jagels has details about the program including lodging, etc. Books and Tools – check out the Books & Tools tab at the Chapter website. We have posted info on books, videos and tools available for loan. If members have other items to add, get information to Ron Jagels and it will be added to the website. Member Project – Walt Wester briefed the attendees on his homebuilt project. He has built a GlassStar and has converted it to a floatplane. He is currently in the process of troubleshooting and resolving problems with the float incidence and airplane CG. Video Presentation – following the general meeting, attendees watched a video titled The Last Great Adventure. It was about the use of helicopters to live capture deer in New Zealand. There were many examples of “extreme” helicopter flying.
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