EAA Chapter 25

Once again, EAA is beginning preparations of the grounds for Airventure 2008 in Oshkosh. EAA headquarters has invited our chapter members to come to Oshkosh and participate in a Weekend Work Party. Work party weekends will be held May 17-18, May 31-June 1, June 21-22, June 28-29, July 12-13, and July 19-20.

Preparation for Airventure would be impossible without the significant assistance of volunteers. Tasks at these weekends vary, but include carpentry, grass cutting, painting, general maintenance, cleaning, gardening, etc. Volunteers are provided accommodations in the bunkhouse for the weekend as well as meals in the volunteer kitchen.

Several weekends also have special Saturday Evening Programs scheduled:

May 31st — Tour of the Air Academy Lodge and Ice Cream Social

June 21st — Sonex Aircraft, Inc

July 12th — Visit with Paul Poberezny at the Aeroplane Factory

If you are interested in participating, please contact Jon Cumpton by April 23rd.

More than a dozen dedicated chapter members showed up at the chapter hangar Saturday morning, April 5th, for a long overdue spring cleaning. The assembled group picked up everything in the building, wiped or vacuumed under it, then put everything back — minus a large pile of junk that mostly fit in the chapter president’s pickup. Thanks to everyone who helped out!

Pat Hoyt is in the process of building a Zenith Zenair 601. At our March meeting, Pat talked about his project. Pat tells us, ” Here’s a picture of the tail section. I’ve got a bit more done since the picture was taken. Construction started in November 2006 when I planned a family vacation around a Rudder Workshop hosted by Zenith Aircraft in Mexico, Missouri. Prior to that, I’d done a fair amount of research to determine exactly what I wanted. This research included getting my Private Pilot License, and flying a number of different aircraft before choosing the Zodiac XL.I am converting a 1967 Corvair engine for this aircraft. The Corvair (which has been powering Pietenpols for over 40 years) is a popular engine choice for the Zodiac 601.

This is my first aircraft project. Wife won’t let me start another one until I finish this one…”

Pat has done extensive rebuilding of his Corvair engine, and has a well - documented photographic record of the entire project. Pat is also interested in sharing his experience with other builders. Contact him at pwhoyt@yahoo.com for more information.

Marking our 50th Anniversary, Tom Poberezny was our special guest and speaker on Sunday, October 8th. In addition to Tom’s visit, banquet chairman Pat Halligan assembled a large selection of door prizes and silent auction items. The drawing for our annual fundraiser also took place with two lucky winners. Topping of the excellent dinner was a beautiful 50th Anniversary cake. Pictured with Tom are Sandy Halligan and Suzanne Hanson.