Terry Deeb

President

What a great year we had!!!!  Our club could not survive without the support of our Friends as well as members.  A huge “thank you” goes out to the Airport Authority who supports our scholarship fund, Thomas Dolder who allows us to use his facilities for meetings, Buddy Stallings who supported our lunches in 2007 and many of our events as well as Jack Trabucco who was a speaker one meeting and helps us with gas discounts for events.  We hope we support all your endeavors in return as we determine to become an active and vital part of our airport community.

This past year we launched an EWN Aviators Appreciation Day and enjoyed the fellowship of other EWN pilots.  We wanted to let others know who the Flyin’ Bears are and the focus of our club.  This year we will host this EWN event again.  For the 2nd year the Bears supported the Mum Fest by advertising in aviation publications that if folks flew in for the Fest we would provide drop off/pick up service to/from downtown.  We had a few more people in 2007 than 2006, but our goal is to gear up for 2010 when we expect many more visitors.  I have already received a call from one man in Virginia who wants to sign up already.

Our Poker Run is our only fund raiser event to support our scholarship fund.  In 2007 (as in 2006 & 2005) the weather did not cooperate and we had few planes fly in (or out), but we still played and raised funds and had fun doing it.  This is an annual event and we will host another this year, hopefully with better weather.  For our scholarship this year we made the most of our funds by keeping kids local and giving them more of an opportunity to fly.  We sent one young man to the summer camp at Tradewind with a wonderful response from the student.  Another young man was already a student at Tradewind and we felt that money spent furthering his journey toward his private ticket is in keeping with our goal of supporting aviation for the next generation.

And, for one more term you all proved that it is THE LOVE OF AVIATION is at the heart of who we are, no matter how active or inactive we are, by again choosing me as your president.  Me, the pilot wannabe; the one who has the least knowledge, but a great love for aviation.  (Proven by the fact that I will ride in anything that gets off the ground!!  Right Jonathan?   *joke*)  I am honored to be at your service and will keep striving to do the job better every day.  Thanks to all of those who help and advise me….I COULD NOT do this without you.

Your board has some new things on the burner, but always need your ideas and input.  We want to make this year even better than last. Let us know what you think as we toss the ideas out to you.

See you Saturday at the meeting and maybe we will get some flying done!!!

Clear skies and safe flying,

Chapter Mission

Jay Figueroa

As we enter a new year and evaluate the focus of the Chapter it is important we maintain and, possibly, expand the relevance of EAA Chapter 1171 as a reflection of the Experimental Aircraft Association and our community.  To that end, a committee has been tasked with developing a mission statement that will embrace member interest and contributions to the local aviation community.

The overall direction of the Mission Statement Committee was briefly reviewed at the January Chapter meeting and is detailed in the link at the end of this section.  We ask that all members examine the work of the committee and respond with your thoughts via email to Jay Figueroa (jayfigueroa@earthlink.net).  We hope to finalize the Mission statement by the March Chapter meeting.

Minutes Û click for details

Ralph & Doris Bitely

Secretary

Around the Pattern

Jay Figueroa

One of the most important benefits obtainable from membership in an EAA chapter is tapping in to the experience of other members.  Whether it be flying or building experience, there is always a wealth of knowledge available in an EAA Chapter. One of the most important resources to members building aircraft is that of Technical Counselor. Technical Counselors can help shave off many hours on a project and much frustration simply by the fact that they've been there and know how to avoid many of the exasperating challenges every project is sure to have.  They can help EAA members present a “zero defect” aircraft at its final inspection by the FAA. And that brings us Chapter member Garry Hardison who has applied for the volunteer position of Technical Counselor for Chapter 1171.

Although a great supporter of our Chapter, we don't get to see Gary Hardison very often at our Saturday meetings as that is when you will find Gary busily managing Gary's Down East Seafood Restaurant in Arapahoe.  Outside of his busy weekend business, you will find Gary willing to share his experience building beautiful aircraft.  Today, Gary continues to tinker and enjoy the RV9 he built in record time.  And have you been wondering what happened to Tradewind's CUB?  Look no further than Gary's "back forty" where you will often see Gary and his son enjoying a lazy flight in the CUB over the farms of Pamlico County.  Look to hear more from Gary as soon as his application for Technical Counselor is approved by EAA.

Gary Hardison installing clecos in preparation for riveting work.

Calendar

Remember, nothing gets done without the dedication of someone, so please volunteer your time and skill to make these events a reality.  If everyone pitches in we will all have a great time around our enthusiasm for flying.

March 22 - Sat. 10 am - EAA Chapter 1171 Meeting, old FSS Building,   Speaker John Marsh, EWN Tower Chief

April 26 - Sat. 10 am - EAA Chapter 1171 Meeting, old FSS Building

May 24 - Sat. 10 am - EAA Chapter 1171 Meeting, old FSS Building

June 28 - Sat. 10 am - EAA Chapter 1171 Meeting, old FSS Building

July 26 - Sat. 10 am - EAA Chapter 1171 Meeting, old FSS Building

August 23 - Sat. 10 am - EAA Chapter 1171 Meeting, old FSS Building

September 2 - Sat. 10 am - EAA Chapter 1171 Meeting, old FSS Building

October 25 - Sat. 10 am - EAA Chapter 1171 Meeting, old FSS Building

December 6 - Sat. 10 am - EAA Chapter 1171 Meeting, old FSS Building

Membership

Betsy Figueroa

A huge thank you tor everyone who brought their dues and paper work for membership renewal to the Jan. meeting.  I loved all those $$ coming at me from all sides!  I have received more renewals in the mail too.  As of this writing we have received 28 out of 32 member renewals (counting EAA numbers only).  And we welcome back Joe Bach and Barbara Kelly.

I'll save the detailed numbers for our Treasurer to announce at the next meeting, but we have had some very generous donations to the scholarship fund along with the renewals.  A very special thank you to those donors.

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