How do you get to Sunset Strip Airport?
Chapter 147 Newsletter Highlights
March 2000
Member Profile - John SmelkoIf he can do it then, by golly, I can, too!” John Smelko felt after his first ride in a Aztec with Captain Ernie Stadvec at Akron Municipal Airport in 1968. The instructor made the process of piloting the plane seem so easy that John felt sure that he could conquer the skill as well. He entered ground school and four months later, John had his private pilot’s license. His wife was very supportive of his new hobby. John has owned several airplanes since.
One day, John received a tip from a friend about two wrecked airplanes on their way to the junkyard. The planes were purchased for only six hundred dollars and John began the process of restoration. One plane was used for parts and the other, a 1939 Stinson HW-75, was completed five years later. John also built a CA 65 Cvjetkovic from plans. This plane was all wood and it took eight years to build. John not only enjoys flying airplanes, he enjoys building them.
There was one flight in John's Tri-Pacer which dominates his memories, with good cause. He was setting up for a landing when the engine quit. He informed the tower of the problem and explained that he may not be able to make it to the airport runway. He had to set the plane down in a cornfield. The ground was very wet and the corn high. The plane flipped over onto his back. John was able to walk out of the field with little injury. The tower sent a National Guard helicopter, which happened to be at that airport, to spot John’s plane. Upon later examination of the engine, the needle valve on the carburetor was the culprit. The engine was starved for fuel.
John was raised in a small coal mining town called Neff, OH, located in Belmont County, in southeastern Ohio. He moved to Akron when he was about ten years old.
John was an employee of Goodyear Tire and Rubber, Co. for over thirty –six years. A majority of this time was spent as a truck driver for the company, delivering new tires to their testing grounds in Detroit, Michigan.
While constructing his airplanes, John really appreciated help from EAA members. They were able to offer new insights or solutions to building problems. He joined EAA Chapter 147 in the late 1960’s and served as chapter president for two years. John has always enjoyed the camaraderie found within the group. He finds it difficult to explain the exhalation and freedom he feels while flying to someone who does not share the same passion. As someone who has owned and built as many airplanes as John has over the years, it is safe to say he truly has a passion for flight.
Meeting Minutes – Sunday, February 20, 2000
The meeting was called to order by President Bill Sibila at 2:00 p.m. Twenty-six members were present. A moment of silence was observed.
The group was reminded to return their new chapter registration sheets as soon as possible.
There has been no news from headquarters regarding chapter insurance on the building, etc. All necessary paperwork has been submitted by John Anderson, chapter treasurer.
Several pieces of mail was brought to the member’s attention. The subjects included EAA major achievement award applications, a Piper organization application, sweepstakes 2000 tickets, etc.
Bill Sibila read a funny quiz about the reputations of our congressmen.
Work continues on the chapter Tri-pacer project. A brief description was given by Bob McGowan. The fuselage is being covered and the electrical system added. Ed Wise donated the belly strobe for the airplane. John Smelko donated a pulley and tail light lens. Cecil Nelson reworked some sheet metal pieces for the project. Additional help is needed on the work party crews for the project, especially on Saturday mornings.
Bob McGowan also updated the group on the purchase of the Colt in Georgia. The engine work has been completed, the exhaust replaced, the throttle and brakes repaired. The plane will be checked for weight and balance by the end of February. Those pilots who plan to fly the new Colt when it arrives were reminded that the insurance premium would be approximately $200 to $250 per person. The chapter cannot afford to keep to planes.
Concern was expressed about the increasing the size of the chapter membership. The group may need to sponsor additional fund raisers to survive. Dues alone would not cover all the chapter expenses.
Doug Betts, offered to create and maintain a Chapter 147 web site. He showed the group an example of its design. The members were supportive of idea, sighting the advantages additional exposure to the public.
Bruce Bixler, John Anderson and Dave Richardson were asked to describe the building progress on their airplanes.
The 50/50 drawing was won by Bill Siblia. He donated the proceeds to the chapter treasury
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Richardson
Club Tri-Pacer N2431A Progress Report
Submitted by Bob McGowan
Most of the recent work has centered around the recovering of the fuselage. The wing covering has been completed with inspection rings and drain grommets installed. The wings and all control surfaces are now ready for finish coating. Many external aluminum parts have been reconditioned and are ready for finishing also. An electronic strobe light was donated by Ed Wise and is in the process of being mounted and wired.