WV Fun Flyers - January - 2003
New Years Day Gathering
The cabbage dinner drew a large crowd of members.
The Teledyne engine reappeared at the field (strutting its stuff with a few more horsepower) and was attached to Ken Skeen's airplane. However, try as it might, it just couldn't break ground level.
Chuck, Kevin, Mickey, Curtis and Brett were all seen taking their annual New Years Day Flight. Josh, Gretchen and Raine Beller made their flights as passengers.
Josh flew his radio controlled powered parachute and Mickey flew his radio controlled airplane.
Kathy Pack did her usual great job hosting the Cabbage Roll Dinner. We sure have a lot to thank the Pack family for their wonderful hospitality.
Many Members provided additional food and drinks. Many thanks to all who participated.
The Lounge (AKA The Hen House)
Captain Rogers along with some other members have spent a great deal of time working hard to get the place ready for Springtime use. A lot has been done and a lot more needs to be done. I understand that we are in need of some kitchen cabinets, a sink with the base cabinet.
Also, we have to do something about the floor. Look in your garage and see what really good stuff you can find. I would bet that Captain could and would use any help he can get.
Newsletter Information
This is your Newsletter, PLEASE send any information you have about anything that has to do with Ultralights (or flying). Let me know if you have anything for sale. I would like to have pictures of your projects (or frustrations).
Is This the Origin of Our "Rubber Chicken??"
Those Crazy Brits...
Scientists at NASA built a gun specifically to launch dead chickens at the windshields of airliners, military jets and the space shuttle, all traveling at maximum velocity. The idea is to simulate the frequent incidents of collisions with airborne fowl to test the strength of the windshields.
British engineers heard about the gun and were eager to test it on the windshields of their new high speed trains. Arrangements were made, and a gun was sent to the British engineers.
When the gun was fired, the engineers stood shocked as the chicken hurled out of the barrel, crashed into the shatterproof shield, smashed it to smithereens, blasted through the control console, snapped the engineer's back-rest in two and embedded itself in the back wall of the cabin - like an arrow shot from a bow.
The horrified Brits sent NASA the disastrous results of the experiment, along with the designs of the windshield and begged the US scientists for suggestions.
You're going to love this....
NASA responded with a one-line memo: "Defrost the chicken."
Try, Try and Try Again - by Blair Ellision
Kevin and I are attempting to use converted military surplus engines to power our planes. I helped Kevin port and polish the heads of his A032 teledyne to see if it would have enough power to fly his mini-max. We tested it on Kenny's J-3 Kitten New Years Day and it taxied the plane with authority but it would only lift the tail!
Now I have purchased the A032 two cylinder version and am converting it to aircraft use. It looks alot like the 1/2 VW in size and weight. It has a 3 inch bore and a 3 inch stroke with about 700cc. It should produce, in the stock version, about 20 hp. After running it stock, I hope to mill the heads .050 inch and try it again. Then I hope to use a 32mm Mikuni carb with various jets.
Our main goal is to find an affordable low-cost four cycle engine that would fly our planes. My fuel burn is about 4 gallon per hour with the 503 Rotax.
More later. Happy Flying.
A Visit to Rick Johnson - by Gil Watkins
Most of you know Rick, but do you know that he runs a body shop? Do you know that he has a TriPacer, A Super Kaoloa (Fisher), a Mini-Max, and at least two motorcycles???
I had a great time visiting with Rick and meeting Cathy. They are neat people who are very involved with the WV Fun Flyers. If you need body work done or just want to talk airplanes - stop by. Rick is located West of St. Albans on route 60. Phone 304-727-7425
Gil Watkins, News Editor
WV Fun Flyers
2721 Riverside Drive, St. Albans, WV 25177
304-727-6331
Email: gil@wvfunflyers.com