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President's Message Sam Evans There's no doubt that our Chapter needs its own place to call "home". With the increase in airport security, it becomes even more apparent. Lew Jones and Pride have been most gracious in providing a place for our Chapter breakfasts. There can't be enough said for all they have done for us. However, we shouldn't rely on Pride to continue being a permanent solution. Since I assumed the duties of Chapter president last January, I've come to learn of the great sensitivity of the issue of our Chapter seeking a place of its own. I've heard most details of past efforts to "settle" on a place. But, I don't want to rehash that at this time. What I want to do is let you know what is presently going on with Hangar 3 (H3). Last year, Squadron 5 asked 471 if we would be interested in "joining-up" with them at H3. Since then, there's been off and on activity relating to the hangar. Keep in mind that the hangar is City property and we (471) have not signed any agreement with the City of Abilene relating to H3. The Chapter Board of Directors has decided on the following process relating to H3: 1.) A group of chapter members was asked to perform a condition inspection of H3. The inspection team is made up of Chapter members knowledgeable in various construction fields. Their purpose is to decide if H3 is even worthy of pursuit as a Chapter hangar and what would have to be done to get it in usable condition. I have asked the group to submit a report to the Board of their findings. If the Board feels H3 is a viable effort, then we'll proceed to step 2. If not, then we have eliminated H3 as a possible Chapter hangar and we'll move on to something else. 2.) The Board will prepare information relating to the renovation of H3, including financial and manpower requirements. 3.) A special member meeting will be held at which time the Board will present its information on H3. The meeting would be held in H3. After presentation of the information and a question & answer period, the Chapter members will vote whether or not to continue the H3 project. Keep in mind a workable contract with the City is in the whole mix of things. There are still some details to workout, but the Board of Directors and I will not do anything to jeopardize our Chapter. How long is this process going to take? I wish I could say. The sooner, the better. We just need a place of our own. I hope I have shed a little light on H3 for you. ~ Sam ~
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About Those Gate Codes
We had a few members that didn't get the northwest gate code when it changed last month. Therefore, here's the process we're going to use in the future to make sure the code is issued to badge holders in a timely manner: You need to send me an email with the words "Gate Code" on the subject line and your name in the body of the email. My email address is: sjevans@cox.net Don Green has given me a list of authorized badge holders. If your name is on the list, then I will add you to my email list for code notification. You will not get the gate code notification from me if you are not a listed badge holder. I will only be sending out the code via e-mail. Sorry for the inconvenience, but it's the fastest way for me to get info out. ~ Sam ~
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| Smooth Crusin' To Colorado Springs By Gray Bridwell The day started out perfect. Skies clear, a mass of high pressure looming around the area for hundreds of miles. Could not ask for better weather... Since the group was small and we only had to link up with Wes and Becky Hays, Teresa and I found it best to link up at 8500 over Sweetwater. After finding Wes (Closely compared to a T-38 as far as speed and visibility), we were off to Colorado Springs. Upon arriving at the Springs, the snow covered Pikes Peak was a sight to see. After some vectors and altitude restrictions at 7500', we made it to the Colorado Jet center where we were greeted and shuttled to the hotel. The Radisson was wonderful and our contact (Rose) had arranged for the best of everything. Our car was even waiting just outside the door ready for our busy afternoon. The plan was to link up with former Dyess B1 pilot Lisa Kary who now teaches at the Air Force academy. A quick call from her revealed that she had an accident racing her motorcycle the previous Sunday and was not very mobile as a tour guide. So we did what any pilot would do, we went to the Air Force Academy anyway and toured the placed like we were supposed to be there. The gate guard gave us no trouble at all getting in... One of the rather amusing things of the trip is our rent car had a GPS navigation system that a couple of pilots used real well. So when the girls wanted water we consulted the GPS, when we thought we were lost, we consulted the GPS, when the car was too warm, we consulted the GPS. Seamed reasonable to us at the time! The girls did not share the excitement about the GPS as Wes and I did. We linked up with Lisa at Solo’s Restaurant Friday evening to go over old times. Wes had a friend from Colorado Springs meet us there too. It was like old home week that night. The restaurant was really cool with massive amounts of aviation memorabilia decorating the walls. Not to mention the KC 97 that is halfway in the restaurant. Saturday was busy with a trip downtown to the Arts district to see some interesting glass sculpture that were on exhibit, Seven falls, a quick turn around the Broadmoore Hotel for pictures, then off to the Royal Gorge Railroad for our Lunch train ride through the gorge. That evening took us to the Garden of the Gods, then dinner at the Garden of the Gods Club. We did not look like the typical pilots as we were are all dressed up. The meal was wonderful and the club was very fancy... Sunday morning we gassed the planes and waited for clearance delivery to release us back to Texas. We had planned to fly high and get the tailwind home, so we put our oxygen on and sat while Wes filed us a course home with clearance delivery. The oxygen gave me the perk to be able to fly home, as I was dead dog-tired. I must recommend the flight of two concept as it closely relates to a designated driver. You are just in two planes and the second plane just follows what number one does. Not very hard... (See trip pictures in this newsletter.)
We are looking forward to Oklahoma City on June 18th!
~ Gray ~
Oklahoma City Brickyard Flyout Planned
The fly-out to Oklahoma City is still on and it’s not too late to get on-board. If you're interested in taking this fantastic trip that’s not too far away, contact Gray Bridwell at: (325) 537-2496 or email to: gray1@jefflutherconstruction.com
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Charlotte Gets Her Wings!
Charlotte Rhodes, 471's vice president, received her private pilot license last month. Way to go, Char!
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Oshkosh AirVenture 2005
EAA's annual premier fly-in is soon approaching. Mark your calendar for July 25 - 31 to make your trip to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I have heard of several members that are planning for the trip. The last Chapter group trip to OSH was in 2003 and was about as much fun as I've ever had. If you are going to OSH and you intend to stay over in Kirksville, MO (KIRK), you might consider getting your reservations in soon. In 2003, the group stayed at the Shamrock Inn. Aileron's, the restaurant next to the motel, was a good place to eat. You can contact the Shamrock Inn at 1-800-301-2772. AirVenture 2005 looks to be one of the best years to be at the event. This year's main attractions include Burt Rutan's Spacship One, the first private venture into space, Steve Fossett's Global Flyer, and Glacier Girl, the P-38 that was recovered from 200 feet below ice and restored to running condition. Make plans to go! ~ Sam ~
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Roger Glandon Remembered
Roger L Glandon died Friday, May 27 at Hendrick Medical Center. Roger was one of the original members of Chapter 471, was an attorney and did the original legal work for the chapter to get started. He had a lifelong love of flying and in 1948 at age 16 became the youngest licensed pilot in Iowa. He served in the Air Force during the Korean conflict, as an instructor at Amarillo AFB. Roger started building a wooden Turner T-40 but never finished it and finally gave the project to the chapter. Some of the remains were last seen in the rafters of one of our T-hangers. (Submitted by Bobby Nichols)
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Lindbergh's Grave Visited
Before he died, Lindbergh sketched a simple design for his grave and coffin. The inscription reads: Charles A. Lindbergh Born: Michigan, 1902. Died: Maui, 1974. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea. -- CAL Below are pictures Steve sent in with the story. Thanks, Steve... and a big thanks for you dedication to Airfest. ~Sam~
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EAA Chapter 471 Officers
President ~ Sam Evans Vice-President ~ Charlotte Rhodes Secretary ~ Arlis Wright Treasurer ~ Gray Bridwell Director ~ Seymour Beitscher Director ~ Harold Cannon Director ~ Bobby Nichols Director ~ Steve Krazer Past President ~ Chris Ulibarri ***
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