The Presidents Soapbox By Robert Heavirland

Wow! What a week and month the chapter has had. A breakfast last month, an AOPA Safety Seminar we co-sponsored with Key Air last week, then the MN Pilots Association gathering last weekend. We had great member participation and help as well as fun along the way.

Our chapter hosted the meeting place for EAA Chapters to meet with leaders from EAA Headquarters on Friday night the 10th with 8 chapter leaders from MN and one from South Dakota. We heard great ideas, some areas where chapters were struggling, and others that needed support from HQ. Thanks to Randy Corfman and the MN Pilots for getting this EAA group together. The remainder of this month has more opportunities. We have a pancake breakfast on the 18th, Kirk has emailed out some flyers please tell your friends and bring them along. Meeting night the 27th will be our chapters 50th Anniversary please invite and bring past members, past officers, and friends of the chapter to the meeting. We will have some special presentations, some history of the chapter, and great food. 6PM - Dinner (Menu still in planning) 7:15 - Short business meeting 7:30 Presentations and some history sharing from our first 50 years.

Bring your photos of past picnics, fly-ins, Christmas parties, and planes to the meeting to share with the group. Make this a fun time for all. -Bob

CELEBRATION! 50th Anniversary EAA Chapter 237 Monday, April 27th

The first official meeting of EAA Chapter 237 was in April of 1965 so this month we will celebrate and take a walk down memory runway. I have invited some of our past officers to come and share some stories about the chapter. If you know of some past officers please invite them to share in the fun. The chapter is furnishing Pulled Pork, Turkey and buns; we would like to Potluck the rest of the sit down meal so bring your favorite side dish to share. There will be some awards, some door prizes, great food, and lots of stories. Itinerary 6:00pm Appetizers 6:30 7:30 Share the meal 7:30 8:00 Short Business meeting. 8:00 9:00 Awards and sharing of stories, pictures,

BIG Screen Video/Movie Night Next video/movie night is Sunday May 10th, 2015

5pm - 7pm Videos and EAA HQ videos 7pm - 9pm MAIN FEATURE Movie

Tasty pizza, ice cold pop, hot coffee & other goodies are free! If you havent attended, take some time & come out and enjoy! We have some great movie choices along with plenty of videos for May. In April, we enjoyed the movie night showing of I.Q.. While not an aviation film it was a fun choice! Havent attended yet...whats keeping you?

EAA Chapter 237 Calendar of Events April: April 18th - Last breakfast social until next fall 7:30am - 11:00am

April 27nd - Chapter meeting & EAA 237s 50th Year Celebration!

May:

May 9th - Fabric workshop 9am

May 10th - Movie night starting at 5pm

237 Young Eagles Pilot Organizational Meeting People volunteer in EAAs Young Eagles program for a variety of reasons. Some see it as a chance to payback the kindness of those who inspired them to pursue flying. Others enjoy the opportunity to share their interest in aviation with young people. Many simply enjoy flying. Hard work and dedication of volunteers is the primary reason why the Young Eagles continues to be a success in building the next generation of aviators.

Wednesday, April 22nd at 19:00, Mark Heule and myself will be convening a meeting at the chapter hangar of pilots and ground crews for the upcoming 2015 Young Eagles season. We will be discussing the program's policies, procedures, and planning. We will also answer any questions you may have. Your input and suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

As you will note, we have four scheduled events, and there might be an additional one or two if required. This will be a very busy year for chapter 237, and we're expecting huge turnouts for these Young Eagle events. Mark and I are often very involved with the administrative duties of our Young Eagles program (as well as other chapter activities) and will need your help! Please consider becoming a "Flight Leader" or "Ground Crew Chief" for just one of the events.

Hope to see you there! -Kirk

Young Eagles Flight Schedule and Locations May 16, 2015 (9am-1pm) Key Air at Anoka County Airport-Blaine June 21, 2015 (9am-1pm) Municipal Airport-Cambridge August 15, 2015 (9am-1pm) Daniel A. Deponti Airport-Forest Lake

Please consider submitting an article for next month. To do so please contact, your newsletter editor, Becky at ibecktec@hotmail.com

CHAPTER MEETING - 6PMMonday April 27rh, 2015

Located at:8891 Airport Rd NE

Blaine, MN 55449We hope to see you there!

Registration is required, and space is limited. Sign up at: http://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-education-and-resources/aviation-videos-and-aviation-photos/eaa-webinars

Date- Time- Webinar Subject

4/29/15 7 pm How to Buy a Used Light-Sport Aircraft Discover the secrets of a successful LSA pre-buy examination. Shopping for a used LSA can be a gamble because so few people understand the FAA rules and ASTM standards under which LSA are manufactured and certificated. Join LSA maintenance rated repairman Prof. H. Paul Shuch as he explains how to avoid the most common pitfalls during the purchase process.

5/6/15 8 pm Engine Teardowns (^) The decision to tear down an engine is one of the most serious and expensive that any aircraft owner will have to face. Maintenance expert Mike Busch discusses the right way to make this crucial decision, and how to avoid the kind of unnecessary or premature engine teardowns that happen all too frequently. Qualifies for FAA Wings and AMT credit.

5/12/15 7 pm Chapter Chat: Tax Exempt Basics Is your chapter tax exempt? Charitable? 501(c)(3)? Confused? This webinar will cover the basics of tax exempt status for EAA chapters. If your chapter is interested in becoming a recognized charity by the IRS, make sure you attend. Patti Arthur, a tax attorney with many years of experience helping EAA chapters, will help you understand the basic rules of tax exempt and charitable status.

5/13/15 7 pm Flying a Jet-Powered Glider and the SubSonex Jet (#) Do you ever dream of flying a jet? Jeremy Monnett from Sonex Aircraft discusses his experience completing the BonusJet TST-14 training program. This transition training program offers those with a glider rating to earn a endorsement for a jet powered self-launch glider, and a LOA (letter of authorization) to fly the SubSonex Jet. Qualifies for FAA Wings credit.

5/21/15 7 pm Emergency Bailout Procedures for Pilots and Survival Equipment (#) IAC member Allen Silver speaks on all aspects of emergency parachute usage and bailout procedures. Including mental attitude, preflight preparation, exiting a disabled aircraft, deploying your parachute, and landing safely back on earth. Allen also discusses steps you can take to increase your chances of surviving a bailout once on the ground. Qualifies for FAA Wings credit.

5/27/15 7 pm Flying with Your iPad using WingX Pro7 (#) Jim Sweeney discusses how to use the WingX Pro7 application. The applications capabilities include, GPS moving map and Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) that run on the iPad & iPhone. In addition, Pro7 works with multiple ADS-B receivers, displaying in-flight weather and traffic. Qualifies for FAA Wings credit.

6/3/15 8 pm Safe vs. Airworthy (^) We often hear the terms "safe" and "airworthy" used interchangeably as if they were synonyms. But they're not. Maintenance guru Mike Busch explains why it's quite possible for an aircraft or components to be quite safe but absolutely unairworthy. He discusses how these two words differ in meaning, and explores the implications of that difference on maintenance decision making. Qualifies for FAA Wings and AMT credit.

6/10/15 7 pm Tips for Flying into EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 EAA AirVenture NOTAM Chairman Fred Stadler shares some hints and tips for reducing your pilot workload when flying into AirVenture 2015. Discussion highlighting the special requirements and procedures of the FAA issued NOTAM.

6/16/15 7 pm Aircraft Control at High Angles of Attack (#) IAC member Ben Freelove discusses the dynamics and techniques for precise control of airplanes operating at high angles of attack including, near stall, post stall and deep stall conditions. Qualifies for FAA Wings credit.

7/1/15 8 pm Warranty Schmarranty (^) Maintenance expert Mike Busch discusses the terms and conditions of manufacturer and repair station warranties, with primary focus on engine warranties. He explains what's covered, what isn't, and how to factor competing warranty terms into your decision to have your engine field overhauled or exchanged for a factory rebuilt or factory new engine. Qualifies for FAA Wings and AMT credit.

8/5/15 8 pm Perils of Cylinder Work (^) Maintenance expert Mike Busch digs into the thorny issue of tightening critical fasteners properly when installing cylinders on a piston aircraft engine, explains why it is so difficult to get it right when doing it with the engine still mounted in the airplane, and emphasizes the need to be very cautious when replacing multiple cylinders or doing top overhauls. Qualifies for FAA Wings and AMT credit.

KEY: (#) FAA Wings Credit (^) FAA AMT & Wings Credit

Pictures From Our Recent Events!!!

Event date: Tuesday April 7th, 7pm - 9pm AOPA Seminar

After the CrashSurviving an aircraft accident

Event date: Fri & Sat, April 10th & 11th The Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering

Charlie Becker & Rick Larsen from EAA HQ presented our chapter with a 50th Anniversary plaque!

Two Iconic Aircraft Finds

IceBridge Discovers Crashed Plane from Cold War A plane from the Cold War has been discovered thanks to IceBridge, a NASA mission which monitors arctic geography for signs of climate change and other notable data. The B-29 went down in 1947, and since then has been left unchanged. The arctic climate has preserved the aircraft precisely as it was when it crashed during a covert mission. Unchanged since the Cold War, the images stand out in a mission meant solely to document sheets of ice and glaciers. The B-29 Superfortress went down near the North Pole. While conditions in the area are far from livable, the crew managed to survive and was eventually saved. The plane was not simply left there, despite seeming unsalvageable. After the Cold War ended, an attempt was made to bring the plane back up to standard. Unfortunately, the results were far from those desired and the project was scrapped. Since then, the bomber has been left in the arctic ice and snow, untouched by all except for the nature surrounding it. IceBridge is made largely possible by a NASA plane called the P-3 Orion. The planes task is simple, as its only real function is that of photo reconnaissance. Such automated technology was not so readily available during the Cold War, and as such the crashed bomber had to carry a crew of eleven men. Of course, it cannot be too easily assumed that reconnaissance was their mission, as they maintained their secrecy even after failure. NASA has been running this mission for around five years now, and they do not often see sites such as the wrecked B-29. The Orion generally goes over the same areas multiple times, attempting to detect subtle changes in the lay of the land. Finding a plane from the Cold War is therefore an incredibly unique occurrence. Not surprisingly, given the climate, this particular plane was forced to land after encountering harsh weather that made it too difficult to navigate the winds. The Cold War was a time of immense secrecy, so it cannot be said for certain what such a plane would have been doing in the North Pole in the first place. The most amazing aspect of such a discovery would normally be the historical significance, but in this case the significance lies largely in the rarity of the find as well as the way in which the freezing temperatures have preserved the craft where it lies. The Cold War bomber is likely to remain there for some time, as there are no currently voiced plans to retrieve it. Kirk can retrieve it for the chapter in place of the P-38 he was to acquire for the chapter earlier this month!

Boeing B17 Flying Fortress Swamp Ghost

On Feb. 23, 1942, a B-17E Flying Fortress bomber crashed in one of the most remote and wild places on Earth: the primitive Agaimbo swamp located on the island of Papua New Guinea. The plane, piloted by young U.S. Army Air Corps Capt. Fred Eaton, had flown a long, dangerous mission from Australia against the Japanese Fortress at Rabaul in New Britain. This was the first long-range Allied bombing mission of World War II following Japans attack on Pearl Harbor that included the U.S. The crew survived their ordeal and, after a six week trek to safety, returned to combat. Their B-17E, however, remained forgotten in the swamp until it was rediscovered in 1972 by an Australian Air Force crew. In the mid-1980s, the late World War II pilot, restaurant industry pioneer and antique aircraft collector David Tallichet initiated efforts to recover and return the plane to U.S. soil. His dream was fulfilled in 2010 through the joint efforts of his family and aircraft salvage enthusiast Alfred Hagen. Nicknamed Swamp Ghost, the B-17E has become an icon of military aviation. In tribute to its intact state, romantic isolation and the extreme challenges involved in its salvage, it is known among historians as military aviations Holy Grail. Coincidentally, the B-17E was assigned to the Kangaroo Squadron, which flew into Pearl Harbor from San Francisco during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941. This occurrence contributed to the disaster because U.S. Oahu radar personnel assumed the incoming Japanese attack wave represented the squadrons expected arrival. Swamp Ghost was not with the squadron on that fateful day, but flew in shortly after the attack. Prior to its salvage, Swamp Ghost was considered the best-preserved unrecovered B-17E in the world. With its return to the Port of Long Beach, Swamp Ghost completed its final mission 68 years after take-off. Only four aircraft models of its type have ever been recovered. The aircraft will be restored, possibly to flying condition, for display at an aviation museum as a symbol of Americas military aviation heritage

Kirkscommentary,psandAviaonwackyarea

Volunteers have been the heart of EAA accomplishments since its creation.

EAA has become the leader in the aviation community with the help of volunteers from all over the world, helping us continue to provide high quality programs and services to our members and visitors. One of the best ways to make new aviation friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. Volunteering also strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities. Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life. The Corporation of National and Community Service published a review of recent research on The Health Benefits of Volunteering. The review found volunteers had lower mortality rates, reported lower rates of depression if over the age of 65, and enjoyed greater senses of self-worth and trust. The review also found many other physical and mental health benefits for volunteers. You will have a richer and more enjoyable volunteering experience if you first take some time to identify your aviation goals and interests. Start by thinking about why you want to volunteer. Also think about what you would enjoy doing. Volunteer opportunities that match both your goals and your interests are most likely to be fun and fulfilling for you. You want to make sure that the experience is right for your skills, your goals, and the time you want to spend. If you have any questions, be sure to speak up. Sample questions to your volunteer coordinator might address your time commitment, if theres any training involved, who you will be working with, and what to do if you have questions during your experience. Before starting, make sure you know what is expected, and understand the time commitment. Consider starting small so that you dont over commit yourself at first. Give yourself some flexibility to change your focus if needed. Speak up if your experience isnt what you expected. Dont force yourself into a bad fit. Most importantly, make sure youre having fun! The best volunteer experiences benefit both the volunteer, EAA and Chapter 237. Some of the other benefits of volunteering include: making important networking contacts, learning or developing new skills, teaching your skills to others, enhancing your rsum, gaining work experience, building self-esteem and self-confidence, improving your health, meeting new people, feeling needed and valued, expressing gratitude for help you may have received in the past, communicating to others that you are ambitious, enthusiastic and care about the aviation community, making a difference in someones life, and improving the likelihood that children will get involved in aviation volunteer as an adult. The most gratifying, beneficial and fun experiences of my life have come by volunteering for EAA and Chapter 237 activities. While acting as president of Chapter 237 has often been time consuming and at times frustrating, it has also been extremely satisfying knowing that, in some small way, I may have benefited our aviation community. Chapter 237 has some of the most knowledgeable and experienced personnel and EAA members in the world. With the passion and enthusiasm of the 237 membership, I have no doubt that Chapter 237 will continue to grow and be the poster chapter for The Spirit of Aviation. Man must rise above the Earthto the top of the atmosphere and beyondfor my soul is in the sky. William Shakespeare

"Can a pilot use the IFR system if he is non-rated just to help out in VFR weather?"

While a non-rated pilot cannot file an IFR flight plan, the rest of the system is available to assist the VFR pilot. It is good practice and preparation if you decide to advance to obtaining your instrument rating. Some suggested practices include:

First, obtain a complete preflight weather briefing including checking NOTAMs.

Then file a VFR flight plan. This is an excellent low cost insurance policy. The cost is the time it takes to fill it out. The insurance includes the knowledge that someone will be looking for you if you become overdue at your destination.

Use ATC Flight Following whenever available. Radar equipped facilities can provide additional services such as traffic and weather advisories.

Additionally, some Flight Service Stations provide flight monitoring where regularly traveled VFR routes cross large bodies of water, swamps, and mountains. This service, known as Hazardous Area Reporting Service is provided for expeditiously alerting Search and Rescue facilities when required. See the AIM Paragraph 4-1-21 for more information.

When flying VFR at night, in addition to the altitude appropriate for the direction of flight, you should maintain an altitude which is at or above the minimum enroute altitude as shown on (low altitude IFR) charts. This is especially true in mountainous terrain, when there is usually very little ground reference. Do not depend on your eyes alone to avoid rising unlighted terrain, or even lighted obstructions such as TV towers.

The Secrets of Aviation

Powered flight may have started with the Wright brothers, but many other aviation pioneers made significant contributions. Every month I will provide one of the fascinating individuals, facts, or accomplishments that are The Secrets of Aviation.

Things You Never Knew About Lighted Airways

1 - In 1923, the US Congress funded the first lighted airway, known as the Transcontinental Airway System. 2 - The first section of the route stretched from Chicago, Illinois to Cheyenne, Wyoming. The segment's location in the middle of the country allowed aircraft starting from either coast to depart during the day and reach the lighted airway by nightfall.

3 - Lighted emergency airfields were funded along the route, spaced every 15 to 20 miles. 4 - By 1933, the Transcontinental Airway System totaled 1500 beacons and 18,000 miles. 5 - Airway beacons included a rotating white light, which created a quick 1/10 second flash every 10 seconds. In clear weather, it could be seen for up to 40 miles. 6 - Each beacon had a set of red or green course lights below the white beacon, pointed along each direction of the route. Red lights were used on beacons in-between airfields, and green lights were use on beacons located at airfields. 7 - Beacons were spaced 10 miles apart.

8 - Each beacon's course lights flashed one of 10 letters in morse code: W, U, V, H, R, K, D, B, G or M. The letters represented the numbers 1 through 10, indicating the beacon's sequence on the route section. 9 - Pilots remembered the sequential order using the phrase "When Undertaking Very Hard Routes, Keep Direction By Good Methods." 10 - The standard beacon stood on top of a 70 foot concrete arrow, painted yellow and pointed in the direction of the course. 11 - The Low Frequency airway system (NDB Airways) began to replace the lighted airway system in 1929. 12 - Montana still maintains around 19 lighted beacons in the western section of the state, which you can find on the Great Falls sectional. They're indicated by a star, with the Morse code for the associated letter.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

EAA CHAPTER 237 8891 AIRPORT ROAD, BOX C-12

BLAINE, MN 55449

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