WV Fun Flyers - February - 2003
A Word From Your President
Winter is Finally Here!
The winter time finds most of us in the shop and dreaming of flying instead of actually getting air time. A few hardy souls have been out in the snow but even those guys with enclosed cockpits are keeping their flights short in the frigid weather.
Since a lot of hangar flying is going on in these cold months, it is a good time to look at our aircraft. Most of us fly less in the winter time so our machines are not checked as often (except for Kevin Pauley who flies so often that his fuel never gets stale). It may be time to change out that old gas and oil that have been setting for a few months. Check the air in the tires – seals often leak in cold weather. When was the last time you took a really good look at your fuel filter? How about corrosion – look at the structure for dampness, rust, oxides, rot etc. Is the fabric in good repair? Do any parts need paint touch up or surfaces polished? How long have those spark plugs been in the air?
Drive down to visit your plane even when the weather is bad and take a good long look. Make a list, take a few notes, check to see what things you need to bring back with you in warmer weather to fix your bird up and be ready to take flight in the warmer springtime air.
Fly Safe
Curtis Pack
Our February Monthly Meeting
Our monthly meeting was held on Saturday, February 1st at (Dr.) Curtis Pack’s office across the road from the Henry Upton Airport (Leon).
Important thing first. The food was great and was organized by Kathy Pack and other members who helped and contributed to the great meal. We began eating just after 1 p.m. and the meeting began at approximately 2:15 p.m. It was called to order by our President – Curtis Pack.
There was a great deal of discussion about the work in the lounge, mostly concerning the flooring to be used – centering on either tile or linoleum. No decisions were made as Captain Rogers wasn’t present. There was some general talk about the refrigerator, no decision was made.
We were asked to be careful and aware of the condition of the ground at the airport. With all of the rain and snow, our vehicles are causing lots of mud. Along with the discussion, it was mentioned that the parking lot will need some gravel and maybe enlarged. This could be done before the clean up weekend. These dates are yet to be fixed.
We were reminded about the “May Day Fly-In” the 1st Weekend in May. More information forthcoming.
This year’s “Sun & Fun” is at Lakeland, Florida, April 2nd-8th (Now from Tuesday to Wednesday).
There was considerable talk about the Sport Pilot license that is being proposed. No real concrete information is yet available – just lots of rumors and conjecture.
It was brought up that we could use some chairs and tables for our meetings at the airport. Someone suggested that we all bring a chair of our own, as we would then have a seat. It was further suggested that someone might know of and be willing to donate some of those long tables like are used at church functions.
Our President came up with a great idea for the Newsletter. He gave our two prizes to those who would write an article for the newsletter. We will be getting an article by Jack Humphreys this month and one by Kevin Pauley & Laura Jensen for March.
Our “New Year” begins at the May meeting (May 3rd). Dues of $15.00 are due at that time. If you know of anyone wishing to join, the initial dues are $20.00, which includes a “WV Fun Flyers” hat or sweat shirt.
The next meeting on March 1st will be at Curtis Pack’s office again which is across from the airport.
Gil Watkins, Secretary
Sun –n- Fun Celebrates 100 Years of Aviation – April 2nd – 8th
LAKELAND, Fla. –– (Feb. 12, 2003) –– Let the celebration begin! The Sun ‘n Fun EAA Fly–In, which traditionally “kicks–off” the summer fly–in season, will also help launch the 100th anniversary celebration of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight when the international aviation community descends on Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida, for Sun ‘n Fun’s 29th annual event.
This year’s Fly–In will be the first to be held under Sun ‘n Fun’s new format, opening Wednesday, April 2, and running through Tuesday, April 8. “The new Wednesday–through–Tuesday format has been very well received by virtually all of our constituent groups: volunteers, exhibitors, participants and guests,” said Bill Eickhoff, Chairman of Sun ‘n Fun’s Board of Directors. “There are so many new and exciting things happening at Sun ‘n Fun this year that we fully expect it to be one of our best ever.
The Parastars World PPG Convention 2003
Registration page is now up and running at the www.parastars.com website. This is the largest PPG convention of its kind in the U.S.. The website has all the information pilots and their guests will need to register for the event. A couple of things that may be helpful would be to have your PayPal password handy, and or have a credit card available if you have not yet registered with PayPal. PayPal is a secure on-line payment service, and it is a similar system to that used last year, with some major improvements that make signing up this year a snap. Save $25 by registering early, before March 20th. The 4 day event will be at Fantasy of Flight Museum, located 20 minutes west of Orlando, FL on I-4.
Gil Watkins, News Editor
WV Fun Flyers
2721 Riverside Drive, St. Albans, WV 25177
304-727-6331
Email: gil@wvfunflyers.com