How do you get to Sunset Strip Airport?
May 2000
Member Profile - George Giblin
“I just like airplanes.” This statement seems to totally sum up George
Giblin’s feelings regarding aviation. His interest dates back many years which “seems like forever” to George. He has done a lot of reading on the subject and has enjoyed aviation movies and television shows. He especially likes the old Warbirds such as the P-47 Thunderbolts. They were powerful machines!George began his flight training in 1969 at an airport in Strongsville, OH.
One of George’s friends was taking lessons at that airport and he
encouraged George to also fly. George would drive from Akron to Strongsville a couple of times a week. He remembers a compliment regarding his flying skills made by his instructor who said, “You are my first student that hasn’t messed up.” Those were very inspiring words for a green pilot to hear. He later soloed to Cleveland Hopkins Airport.One time George was flying to Carroll County Airport with his partner, Mike
Miller, in their Ercoupe. En route they found they were losing power. Luckily they were able to land safely and discovered that the plane had a bad fuel pump. It was repaired and they were back in the sky for an uneventful trip home.George has worked as a truck driver since the early 1970’s. Currently, he is employed by the US Office Products Company. He makes mostly local deliveries. He has driven just about every type of truck, including semi-tractor trailers. When asked about shifting all those gears he responded, “It becomes sort of second nature.”
George was in the US Active Army Reserves for six years. His job was part of the Service Battery in the Artillery Unit. He primarily worked with trucks and drove vehicles.
Irene, George’s wife, is not too crazy about flying. She supports his involvement with EAA though by helping with dinners, fly-ins, etc. George joined EAA in the mid 1970’s. He has served as refreshment director for several years. When asked if he has any special concerns or goals for the group, he expressed the need for safety when repairing and storing the club airplanes. He would like to see more fire extinguishers installed in the planes and in the hangers. He would also like to see more group participation in the restoration of the club Tri-Pacer.
George has been a part of Chapter 147 for many years and we have certainly benefited from his contribution of time and dedication.
Meeting Minutes - Sunday April 16, 2000
The meeting was called to order by Bill Sibila with 24 members present and
a moment of silence was observed.
President Bill Sibila noted the following items:
1) For those planning to fly the chapter aircraft, please submit your insurance payments as soon as possible. Only 3 people out of 9 have paid so far.
2) The vacuum system on the Colt has been repaired.
3) The Colt exhaust pipe was weld repaired by Phil Bastian (who would not accept payment for his services) and is ready to be installed. A new set of landing gear bungees are also ready to installed. On the next good-weather workparty day, these items will be done as well as a general clean up of the plane. It will then be ready to be flown. The Colt may even receive a new topcoat of paint at some point to spruce it up a little.
4) For those flying the Colt, Bill Sibila reminded us that for the insurance to cover us, all pilots must be checked out in the plane by a CFI. It was stated that it did not matter who the CFI was, just that the checkout was necessary. Larry Isgro is going to ask a former chapter member, who is a CFI and familiar with PA-22's, if he would be willing to do the this for the chapter.
5) A covered dish lunch will be held after the next meeting.
6) Bill S. reported numerous calls on Opal Burns' KR-2 project, but so far no one has come to actually see the project.
7)Bob McGowan reported on the Tri-Pacer project:
a) the taping of the fuselage is almost done - only one landing gear to go.
b) the wings are completely done and ready to paint
c) the boot cowl and windshield are next to be installed
8) A reminder for those currently flying at Sunset Strip, please stay on the graveled area since there are many wet/soft spots on the grass runway.
9) For those flying the chapter airplanes, Larry Hawk suggested a sheet be posted in the clubhouse listing all approved pilots and the key dates for
expiring medical certificates, BFR's, etc. to ensure everyone stays legal.
Bob McGowan also noted there is a calendar/planner in the clubhouse now for reserving the airplane.
10) Larry Hawk showed the group his radio controlled project - a 1/5th scale Spitfire. He has completed the 88" wing over 2 winters and is about 70% done on the fuselage. It is quite an impressive bit of workmanship, but knowing Larry & his Cub Coupe, that's not surprising.
11) The 50/50 raffle was won by Larry Isgro who donated the winnings back to the chapter. Jim Wilson donated a Caller ID unit and a second drawing was held. It was won by Ron Oxley.
Respectfully submitted,
Doug Betts
Bob McGowan