Our next meeting will be Nov 19^th around noon at Mel McKinney's place either at his home or at the airport depending on the weather.   In the event that Mel has a problem getting back due to a hurricane or tornadoes Gil and Liz will be our back-up for a meeting place.  Right now it will be at Mel McKinney's place in Susquehanna, Pa.   Mel McKinney will supply the food.

        Our last meeting place was at Gil and Liz's place in North Fenton .  Once again we owe them a big thank-you for having us in their home.  The weather, as usual, was crappie for flying.  However the sun shone inside with lots of prop and new people to keep the flavor of flight spicy.  We had a total of 17 pilots come with a dish to pass.  Jim Croisant brought the hamburgers and hotdogs and did a splendid job as our chief chef.  The meal was excellent - pies, cakes, beans, macaroni salads,etc.

    One thing we should discuss next time is where are we going for our Christmas meal.

    Our meeting started at 1:10 PM by Mel McKinney and our usual salute to the American Flag.  Mel started our round table review with Jim Dennis who has flown just about everything that flies -helicopters, autogiros, gliders, and fixed wings.  He also carry's credentials that supported the instruction on everything as well.  Jim was able to share his experiences with us and Mel McKinney was sharing some of experiences with helicopters so they were comparing notes on the operation of certain types of helicopters.   Mel got his helicopter license in Texas under the GI Bill.  He flew a Bell Helicopter and finished with a Hughes 300.

    Mel McKinney mentioned his nephew Dave Schwartz has been experiencing problems with his engine on his Purple Piper.  Vibrations were discovered and it wasn't the prop but the engine itself.  They tore it down to find metal chips in the oil screen and two pistons with rings broken.  A top overhaul sounds imminent.

    Richard Heavney came with James Dennis as a guest.  I must mention both were guests and came for the first time to see what we offered.  We hope they will come again and contribute their talent to the cause.  James Dennis bought 66 acres of land in Otego NY .

    Norm Dibble is selling his Ultra Cruiser he has $1000 in it but will consider for less and throw in a Rotax 377 with the airplane.  He also said he has a problem with his Kolb running at low speed.

    George Smith has had a break from his Savannah working on a out-door furnace.

    Charles Olbrich got his Hawk back together, new cables and worked on his windshield.  He also was telling us how he went to Hampton and flew a Sky Ranger.  They had a flat tire in New Hampton.  Charlie showed them how it was possible to put a large size tube in a small size tire and not having to wait a week before the right part comes in.  They didn't want to drive back to where they came from so Charlie made sure to make it fit.  The Sky Ranger had a 110 hp. Rotax in it and it performed very well.    

    Tom Lewis brought us up to date with Dave Donnara and Dave Thomas.  Dave Donnara is building a barn and Dave Thomas had other commitments for the day.  Tom Lewis said he put in 40 hours on his aircraft this year and has 30 more hours before TBO.  He said, he will be in Fla. by the time the next meeting takes place.  Tom has been working on his Zodiac 601.  This is the aircraft that Dave Schwartz's cousin was killed in.  Tom is still plagued by Dave's cousins mishap and he still wonders what happened to his 601.

    Tom Botheuser talked about how an experienced pilot left a bolt out of his Sprint Ultralight's elevator.  It was a close call.  Tom has all his flying surfaces ready for paint.  He also said that the Stits Process is real tough fabric and is easy to handle almost like vinyl - no sanding.  The finish will be light cream and blue. 

    Matt Garbett is trying to get a Sport Pilot Instructor's License.  He has been talking to Rizzo at Broome County Airport .  He was saying he was a Crew Chief on a helicopter in Viet Nam and said they were pretty tricky to fly.  Matt sold his C-150 to the original owner who sold it to him and now he wishes he had kept the Phantom.  He is looking forward to LSA.

    Gil and 5 others enjoyed flying together, one came from Hamilton Airport .

    Lou Palombo is back in the club and plans on buying a helicopter someday.  He had been away from flying for awhile with his wife and her many operations.  They replaced her pancreas and kidney.  Everything is going well so far since the operation on Memorial Day.  We wish you and your wife the best Lou and welcome back to the club.

    Jim Croisant has ordered parts for his Phantom and is preparing for a  break-in run before Winter.

    My wooden Cherokee is almost done.  We got our electrical and heating in now. All we have to concentrate on now is the furnishings.

            Your Secretary,

                Mel Wightman