EAA Chapter 25

Yes, it’s that time of year again. We’ll draw from Chapter 25’s extensive video library for tomorrow night. No FAA Safety films here. Just adventure and excitement. Remember we start grilling around 6:00 pm.

Do you know a young person between the ages of 8 and 17 who would like an introduction to the world of flying? If so, join us at the Chapter Hangar at the Airlake Airport on Saturday, September 20th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. At that event, our member pilots will provide free airplane rides to these kids. For reservations, contact John Koser at 952-831-5142 or Bill Brown at 952-432-4231.

Chapter 25 has secured a campsite in Camp Scholler. It is on the east side of 59^th, just south of Lindbergh. It is next to Ron Oehler’s campsite and across from Jim Ladwig’s.  It’s intended to act as a meeting place for chapter members during Airventure. Please drop by if you can, and pass the word to others.

Bert Sisler has been honored by Chapter 25. The Chapter has named it’s airplane hangar at Airlake Airport the “Bert Sisler Aviation Education Center”. Sisler, whose aviation career spans over 65 years, was recognized because of his continuing contributions to aviation and the education of others in the field. A ceremony took place in Lakeville, Minnesota on June 21st.

In the attached photo, Bert (second from right) stands with his family in front of one of the airplanes he designed – the Cygnet.

To understand the reasons for this honor, one only needs to look at Bert’s biography. He was born in 1923 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Like many of his generation, he first was intrigued by barnstormers visiting his small town, and began by building crude airplane models, earning money by doing chores at the airfield, and learning to fly before World War II.

He then became an Army Air Force pilot, flying B-25’s and P-61’s among others. He continued in the Air Force Reserves after the war while he completed college flying AT6’s, Twin Beeches, and P-51’s. Training as an engineer, he then started his career as an airline pilot.

Working as a draftsman to support his family, he would scurry out to the field when Northwest Airlines needed his services as a reserve pilot. Thus started his airline career through DC-3, DC-4, B-727,B-707, DC-10, and finally B-747.

Meanwhile, in the mid-fifties, he and a small group of friends who loved airplanes and building things started work on a Stits Playboy, and along the way they formed the 1st EAA Chapter (25) in Minneapolis. Bert was the 1st President too. When he and another member completed the Playboy, Bert went on to design, build and fly three different airplanes – the Pipit, the Whistler, and the Cygnet. The Cygnet was also sold and bought back – and Bert restored it for his son to fly. Bert restored (Culver Cadet, Piper Clipper, and Piper Pacer) and advised others on restoring various airplanes.

When he gave up the Chapter 25 presidency, he served as a technical advisor to the chapter for decades and still advises chapter members building airplanes today. Go to Bert’s house and he will show you a plans and mock-ups of his latest design, the Sisler Six Pac, a three-engine, six-place airplane. He also has built a quarter-scale model of the airplane, which now hangs from the ceiling of the chapter hangar.

Go to a Young Eagles event and find Bert working as ground crew. Chapter 25 took stewardship of “The Gusty”, a historic homebuilt. The parts were restored, but then the project languished. Guess who volunteered to organize a small group to complete the restoration, and worked many Saturday mornings to finish it? The completed Gusty was the subject of an article in Sport Aviation , and now also hangs from the ceiling of the Chapter 25 hangar.

After receiving this honor from his fellow aviation ethusiasts, Bert said, “Thanks for the kind words and the recognition. However, I feel like I have received more than I have given”

According to Jeff Nawrocki, MAC’s manager responsible for Airlake, MAC is moving closer to developing the southwest side of the airport. To avoid further delays in the process, MAC will not include sewer and water. Thus, the arrangement will be like the existing hangar area, and will include hydrants for fire protection. Jeff says that MAC is hopeful development will start next year, and that they will use a private developer or developers as has been the case recently with Flying Cloud and Anoka. After hangars are built, generally using standard sizes, the developer will transfer the leases to MAC and tenant. The developer will also be responsible for alleyways and roads.

Those who wish to remain on the waiting list for hangars will be expected to make a $500 deposit to keep their name on the list. The deposit is refundable with interest if MAC fails to develop the site by the end of five years.

Jeff also tells us that plans to build a public restroom and 60 x 60 airplane wash pad near the existing hangars is on track to be completed this year.

Jeff encourages all interested people to contact him if they have questions or comments. Reach him at (763) 537-2058 or email him at jnawrock@mspmac.org. Jeff will also join usfor our June 18^th meeting at the chapter hangar.