WV FUN FLYERS
JULY 2004
Next Meeting, Saturday, August 7th
As usual, bring dish or desert and soft drinks for lunch, 1 pm, with meeting to follow. Don’t forget, competition rescheduled to August meeting day
July 4th Weekend at Leon
The holiday weekend was jam packed with happenings and goings on. The events started Friday evening, with a campfire / weenie roast at Curtis Pack’s house, including a fireworks display by Ed Wagoner, and some barrel launching by Curtis and Mickey Watson (if you missed it, ask them for an explanation). The dirty old faded rubber chicken was retired, and a new one provided by Ed. Kevin Pauley had the honors of lighting the fuse to destroy the old chicken, as it seems he had been the most frequent recipient of the dubious award.
Saturday, we participated in the Buffalo Independence Day parade, entering two floats. Captain Rogers had his Titan on one trailer and Raine Beller loaded his Rotec Rally 2B onto another. The floats were decorated with flags and streamers and WVFF banners again provided by John Bolton. Both floats were loaded with WVFF members, and candy was tossed to the folks viewing the parade along the route. We made it back to Leon with just enough time to unload the floats before the rain came down, washing out our scheduled competition flying. It was decided at the meeting to reschedule the competition to the August meeting day, August 7. Later in the evening, the weather turned nice, and several folks got in some good flying. Sunday was very nice also, making for a great weekend for the many folks attending, several who camped at the airport for the weekend.
Sunday, the center of attention was the final assembly and test flights of a new MiniMax, built and owned by Gary Price, of Lucasville, Ohio. The nice red, white and blue paint scheme fit perfectly for having it’s maiden flight on the Fourth of July. By the way, not only is it a great looking plane, the ½ VW powered vehicle is a great flyer also. Kevin made a few test flights before Gary took the controls, and he has been flying the wings off of it.
Recent Leon Stuff
Linzy Hickman has been taxiing the HiMax, transitioning to the tail dragger after being used to the Pterodactyl for several years. Raine Beller has repaired the ignition on his Rally, and is back in the air. Dave Groff repaired the prop hub on the 2 place Quicksilver. Curtis Pack has tether flown his recently completed hot air balloon. It seems he has sold his red, white and blue single-seater, which he has had at the airport several times. Gary Price replaced the hot water heater in the Hen House, much to the delight of the ladies. Mickey headed up a collection for the purchase of a new swing set for the little folks at the airport, and it has recently been installed.
The July 17 fly-in / flea market at Ravenswood was somewhat hampered in the morning by low ceilings and a little rain, but they still had several attendees. The weather turned much nicer for the afternoon, but by then I was at Leon.
Oskosh
The annual EAA event is in progress now, with several WVFF members attending. Curtis Pack presented the UL Balloon Forum on Tuesday. Hopefully he had a good crowd which to showcase his expertise.
Sport Pilot
The long awaited Sport Pilot regulations has recently been released by the FAA. Everyone is still trying to digest the bureaucratic legalese to find out just what will be happening. I left a 108 page printout in the Hen House if you really enjoy reading that kind of stuff. A recent article on Sport Pilot in the Charleston Gazette featured the Leon Airport, with quotes from Dave Groff, Curtis Pack and Mickey Watson, including photos of some of our flyers. This publicity has brought several visitors to the field who were unaware of our existence.
Some highlights of the new regulations for Light Sport Aircraft include:
Max gross weight, 1320 lbs. Stall speed not greater than 45 knots.
Max speed 120 knots. No in-flight adjustable props. No retractable gear.
Single engine only.
For Sport Pilots:
Logbook endorsement for each make and model “set” (similar aircraft) you fly.
Can take practical test in single seat LSA with examiner observing from ground.
Biennial flight review.
“Driver’s License Medical” does not apply if you have failed an aviation medical exam. If you lose your driver’s license for any reason (such as failure to have insurance) you can not fly.
Max altitude 10,000 feet MSL (not more than 10,000 feet even to cross high terrain)
Must have at least 3 miles visibility. No night flying. No towing
These are just some highlights and are subject to change at the whims of the FAA.
Total Eclipse Fly In
The annual Fly-In & Pig Gig will be held August 20-21-22, at Tolson Airport, Carrol County, Ohio. TSO is a paved 4300’ runway near Carrollton, Ohio, with restaurant, gas and camping for flyers. Coordinates 40-33n / 81-04w.This event is always well attended by WVFF members. Questions or more info, call Mark Mathias, 740-922-2228
Ground School
David Barner, of Pomeroy, Ohio, now has his ground instructor’s certificate with advanced instrument. He is looking for people who are interested in getting their private pilot rating, and is offering half off of the ground school, $200.00 for up to 50 hours for members of WVFF. He is hoping to have his CFI by next summer. He can be contacted at home, 740-742-0159 or by email kr2flier@yahoo.com, or see him at Leon airport on one of his many visits.
For Sale
Fisher 303 Project $1500.00
Kevin Pauley 304 926 8429
Or see Kevin at airport
Send any articles, events, classified ads, etc…… Ken Skeen, P.O. Box 128, Evans, WV 25241
Kskeen2@citynet.net 304 372 5252