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Chapter 147 Newsletter Highlights
April 2000
Member Profile - Steve OxleyBelieve it or not, at four years old, Steve Oxley began what would later become a career as a mechanical engineer. He saw an article in an aviation magazine about a model airplane that was connected to a sting. It was made from balsa wood and was flown in circles over the builder’s head. Steve decided he wanted to build that plane. He used materials at hand, which was primarily cardboard. When asked if he ever got it airborne, Steve remarked, “Well, sort of.” That was an ambitious task for such a young child and an early marker for future interests.
Steve was born in Charleston, WVA. His family moved to Akron when he was about two and a half years old. He attended the Akron schools and earned both an undergraduate and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Akron University.
His co-op training and jobs in the engineering field required living in several different states. He worked for the Hoover Company, Gruman American, Piper Aircraft and Avco. While employed by Avco, he was part of a three-person team who designed the beam that tied the booster rockets together on the space shuttle.
Steve’s flight training began in Lakeland, Florida while employed by Piper. Don Morris was both a salesman of the Piper airplanes and an instructor. Steve soloed in 1978. He was unaware of the tradition of cutting out the back of the student’s shirt. He was sure surprised when the instructor confronted him with a pair of scissors and told him to turn around. He said, “If I had known about that I would have worn another shirt!” He has that piece of material today framed under glass.
Steve had a scary flight over the mountains in Tennessee in 1979. He did not realize the dangerously low fuel level until it was almost too late. Steve used the VOR to locate the closest airport and was able to land safely. Luckily the engine did not sputter or quit during the flight.
The “ Pixie” is an aircraft of Steve’s own original design. It is a two place, 65 hp, Piper Cub-type of plane. Some of its parts are new, some used and some were handmade just for that plane. Steve hopes to someday make plans available for sale or possibly offer kits. It has required years of work and is close to completion.
Steve has been a member of EAA since the 1980’s. He has been chapter treasurer and newsletter editor. He really enjoys the intelligent and talented people involved with aircraft. The chapter wishes Steve good luck on his project and looks forward to seeing the “Pixie” fly.
Meeting Minutes- Sunday, March 19, 2000
The meeting was called to order by President Bill Sibila at 2:00 p.m. A moment of silence was observed.
Several pieces of mail were brought to the member’s attention. Three examples given were a list of VCR tapes available from EAA library, Sun-N-Fun information and Young Eagles Air Academy.
The chapter’s new Colt has arrived from Georgia. Bob McGowan and Smitty Smith made the trip down and flew it home. After closer inspection of the aircraft, several items will need to be improved on the plane. It needs a good cleaning, paint touched up, proper tie down struts, the vacuum system checked, the throttle is still a bit stiff, and the bungees are loose. The exhaust needs some repair and once completed, we will receive stickers for the log book extending the time when the annual was done. Members will begin a search for transponders, both new and used, to find the best price.
A brief description was given on the progress of the Tri-Pacer. More details will be submitted in the April newsletter.
Jim Wilson asked if the members would be interested in purchasing lottery tickets as a group, increasing our odds of winning. The funds would then be split among the members that participated.
All EAA calendars have been distributed.
Doug Betts was praised for our new EAA Chapter 147 web site. He gathered a list of members names, email addresses and projects. He reminded the group that he is open to ideas and material for the site. Doug offered to add a For Sale section to the site to assist Opal Burns in selling the KR-2 project.
A brief meeting was held of the chapter officers to discuss the rental/ fuel fees for the new chapter Colt. Insurance premiums, for the nine members who plan to fly the aircraft, will be $225.00 per person. The checks should be submitted as soon as possible.
Members were reminded to pay their chapter dues. There were 47 names on the roster and only 17 were paid up for the year.
Walt Topinka displayed a model he made of a single-place airplane his father designed many years ago. The suggested engine was 40 hp 3 cylinder radial from the era. The wing span was designed as 21 feet with a 14 foot fuselage. Walt solicited opinions about the design and its potential flight characteristics.
Bruce Bixler told the group to beware of a possible corrosion problem on the wing strut fittings of the older high-wing Pipers. The problem has been sited in recent publications.
The 50/50 drawing was won by Doug Betts. He donated the funds to the chapter treasury.
Respectfully submitted,
David Richardson
Club Tri-Pacer N2431A Progress Report
Submitted by Bob McGowan
The fuselage covering is nearing completion and covering of the landing gear is in progress. Both doors have been installed and most of the door trim has been completed. Progress has been made on the instrument panel and a clock from the previous owner has been installed. A wet compass from the previous owner was received and reconditioned. It will be installed in the future. Progress has been made on the electrical system. Material has been donated to fabricate the landing gear light lens. Most of the metal exterior skin has been reconditioned and is ready for installation and finishing.
Builder’s Bragging Rights
Steve Oxley – Pixie- The Pixie project was not worked on during January and February 2000 but some work was done in December 1999 and March 2000. The interior was more or less completed with aluminum plate covers, placards, ID plate, experimental sign plate, carpet, side panels under the instrument panel, and the finishing of the fuel tank tops. The work needed to be done includes: stabilizer and wing fairing panels, gas caps, fuel level indicators, aileron rework, mags installation, spinner skins, primer lines, four instruments and hook up, flap springs, strut fairings and final assembly. He has got some yellow, red and blue dope but so far leaving it silver seems best. Bare aluminum on all frontal areas should help obtain a few more MPH on the cruise speed.
Dave Richardson - Tri-Q2 - Most of the aircraft is in primer now with only the control surfaces and cowl remaining. The electrical system has been installed using Molex connectors that allow the instrument panel to be removed. The engine has been prepared including proper orientation of the rings.