January 17th our club will meet at Baron's Inn in Greene, NY at 12 noon for a luncheon and meeting.  Please try to attend, bring a friend or a neighbor a wife or a girl friend, the more the merrier.  The ladies meet in the front and always have things interesting to talk about.

    We had 12 people at our last meeting which we got under way at about 1:30 pm.  Our President Jim Croisant honored our flag and on went our meeting.  Jim first of all told our members that the club supplied 3 dollars to everyone's Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner that took place in November.  So a grand total of $114 was taken from our treasury to help make the meal cheaper.  This still left us a grand total of $1160.52 left in the till.

    Jim was telling us how he and his wife Ingrid went to Radio City Music Hall on Veteran's Day.   The Veteran's Parade was 4 hours long.  He was amazed how the police were able to control the crowds and traffic.  He also said, the Intrepid Air Craft Carrier was open.  It was made into an Air Sea and Space Museum.  There also was a sub tied next to it.  Jim was telling the group how it could be possible to rent a bus and go to NYC for a day at a group rate and visit the Intrepid and sub.  We could use the Oneonta Bus Lines to travel.  This will be discussed further later on as interest and research is gained.

    Another subject was brought up.  On July 4th and 5th there will be another airshow at the Broome County Airport .  Being it was enjoyed so much last year maybe we'd like to do it again.  Have another static display and enjoy the air show.  Also another drawing will take place for the membership towards a helicopter ride or a Glider ride.  This can be discussed at our next meeting.  This years Air Show will include the Navy's Blue Angels.

    Jim Leonard went out flying in the wind and also was able to solo twice.. Congratulations are in order for his accomplishment.   He had a chance to experience some cross wind landings.  He also was able to watch the aircraft fly backwards in the wind, a real funny feeling in itself. 

    Pete Fish built a trailer and took his Quicksilver home for the Winter.

    Duane Ross hadn't done too much flying in the last month.

    Paul Nulton figured he had a total of 135 hours and made 202 take offs and landings which is a good thing and not 202 takeoffs and 201 landings.  He also got with Ray Osterhout and bought his Newport Bi Plane.  This will keep him busy to learn another craft and its peculiarities.

He also discovered his Parasol had high engine temperatures and found his belt had to be tightened.  It was slipping.  His Parasol is flying great and he is very happy about that.  He also said, Ray Osterhout had an opportunity to fly in a P-51.   He was able to buzz the tower, do some loops and low flying dives in the Binghamton area.  He always wanted to fly one even if it only cost him $2200.00 for a half hour.  He had experienced some distress with his congested heart, only about 25 % is now operating but this really boosted his spirits. More power to you Ray!  We were especially glad to see Paul could make it to this meeting.  He was President for quite awhile and it is nice to see him get back out.

    Matt Garbett was saying that for him a C-150 was the most practical airplane.  He is tall and able to buy one fairly cheap and fly fairly cheap and also have a good re-sale value.   I had to agree with his remark as we tend to lean more towards General aviation and the expense of flying. One has to take a look at the whole picture.  Price a LSA and price a used C-150.

    Dan Fiske didn't get the chance to hug his airplane this past month.  The DEC has delayed permits so his runway is going to be further delayed.  He is volunteering for a Maintenace class school.  He needs 10 or more people to go to his class which will be held in his home.  Details are being sought as we speak to the cost etc.....

    Gil Aitchison flew last Tuesday for about an hour and also flew again on the 30th of December just before the New Year.  He has been busy cleaning the house trying to get the T-Bird ready for the hanger.

    Tom Parkhurst changed a motor in his Kitfox and now has cabin heat.  He right now is pursuing his LSA Instructor's Rating.  He'd like to have it by Spring.  Good Deal!

    Butch Osterhout has been experiencing more knee problems and has been having fun flying RC's on Tom Hetig's field.

    Mel McKinney - his gas money bought an Avid Heavy Hauler.  Right now he needs to enclose his trailer.  His cell phone number is 1-239-898-1101.  He is planning on doing more flying.

    Jim Croisant has been emptying water barrels in his hanger and did hug his airplane.

    Mel  Wightman had to replace an engine on his Roto-Tiller and get it ready for Spring gardening for fear of no parts or labor available by Spring with all the economy problems we're having.   The Troy Built ran up an expensive rebuild bill.  She’ll never fly but is ready to go.  I'm still leaning towards a 150 Cessna.  One is able to maintain IFR ticket and fairly cheap flying plus maintain a re-sale value.

    Some extra information on aircraft, there is a Taylor Craft for sale at Chenango Bridge Airport .  It use to belong to Dick Wilson and since he had just past away there is a price tag on it for $24,000

    The meeting ended about 2:45 pm.

   Your Secretary,

        Mel Wightman