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Homeland Security by Jim Heidish

You would hear it long before you saw it. The deep growl of its 32 giant blades cutting the air would rever-berate down the river valley like a monster from hell. Suddenly, with the ground shaking it would be on top of you, its long swept wings sprouting four huge smoke belching 14,000 H.P. counter rotating turboprops filling the sky. Then you saw them, the red stars. Russian stars! A BEAR, the new Russian Air Force Stra-tegic Tu-95 Bomber! With your mouth wide open you would know, know that this flying meat grinder was on its way to bomb Pittsburgh! PITTSBURGH!

Russian Tu-95, BEAR Bomber Flying Under the Radar

This was the wildest of dreams for us teenagers who joined the Ground Observer Corps in the mid 1950s, but it was the nightmare of the U.S. Air Defense Command; a Russian bomber evading radar detection by flying down river valleys, many in the location of major cities and industries. The threat was real and real-

Newsletter Deadline

Newsletter items are due on the first Wednesday of the month. Email items of interest to danny.miller_at_N107SD.com. General meetings may be canceled in the event of poor weather. Call the chapter house phone (703) 365-8764 for additional information.

Inside this Issue

Homeland Security .............................................................. Cover General Meeting Minutes ...................................................... 11 News You Can Use ..................................................................... 6 Koehler’s Korner ................................................................... 12 Who is Chapter 186? ................................................................... 7 Directory Update ................................................................... 13 Classifieds ................................................................................... 8 Christmas Party Update ......................................................... 13 President’s Page .......................................................................... 9 Calendar ................................................................................ 14 Business Meeting Minutes .......................................................... 9 Who’s Who ........................................................................... 15

EAA Chapter 186, KHEF 10629 Observation Road Manassas, VA 20110 (703) 365-8764

December 2013 www.eaa186.org

A Non-Profit Organization Dedicated to the Advancement of Aviation Education, Homebuilt Aircraft, and Private Aviation.

Stick and RudderStick and Rudder

December 2013 EAA Chapter 186 Stick & Rudder

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istic flight test proved that there were many gaps in the radar system that needed to be plugged. The U.S. Air Force figured that a good pair of eyes could do the job, so their Ground Observer Corps Skywatch program was formed.

Skywatch promotional stamp

GOC aircraft ID books

In the early years of the Cold War and especially right after the Korean War, hundreds of thousands

of everyday citizens responding to the Skywatch announcements appearing in newspapers, on radio and television showed up to man the over 15,000 observation posts that were strung across America. Call it patriotism, civic duty or protecting the homeland; it was better than building a bomb shel-ter, as more than a few people did.

Teenagers joined for one reason, the GOC was part of U.S. Air Force! To be a volunteer was like touching the future, the first small steps in becom-ing fighter pilots. So, with school out and summer vacation at hand, the three of us signed up. The WAC, as we called her, was very impressed with our aircraft ID skills and knowledge of aviation. Dressed in her blue military outfit with GOC wings attached, this seasoned volunteer and mother de-scribed the mission, passed out ID cards and Identi-fication/procedure manuals. We could almost hear “Up you go into the wild blue yonder.” Then she said it! Because we were under age we had to be supervised by an adult, split up and scheduled with an adult to man the tower. Bummer!

New Castle, PA where we grew up was a prime candidate for a Skywatch observation post. An old industrial town close to the OH border, its mills and factories were situated where three rivers came to-gether to form the Beaver River, its big valley run-ning straight to Pittsburgh, some fifty miles away. New Castle was also on the so-called Industrial Grand Slam Route, a great circle course where a Russian bomber flies over the North Pole, across the low lands of central Canada, then skims over the Great Lakes, popping up to hit Detroit then on to bomb the big industrial belt. From Detroit to Toledo to Cleveland to Youngstown and on to Pittsburgh, all the time the bomber hugs the low lands and river valleys to avoid radar detection and fighter or SAM interception. And for a Bonus Prize, if it made it past Pittsburgh, past the ring of Nike SAM sites, then it could make a bee line dash over the mountains and down the Potomac River valley to hit Washington, D.C., then flat out across the Chesapeake Bay and the big Navy base at Nor-folk. The Bear had the range, but this low level flight would be a one-way trip, maybe ditching in the Atlantic and the crew picked up by a waiting sub.


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Typical Freestanding Observation Tower

I stood looking at the tower. How could it be so short? A forest fire tower with most of its legs cut off and shorter than most of the trees along the riverbank. I saw a hand waving to come up, my adult, Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson, a retired machin-ist and Civil Defense Warden during the war, had many hundreds of hours watching the sky in the GOC, a winged pin on his shirt proudly stated so. Standing on the railing enclosed platform, the river valley and the glistening railroad tracks that ran up both sides of the Beaver reflected in the tiny glass windowed cabin. Banging his shoe on the deck Mr. Johnson said, “This is where we do our fighting, make our stand! It’s 24 hours a day, every day, even Christmas! Here is how it goes: Were looking for Russian bombers! We report all multiengine jet or prop aircraft that fly over. Never singles of any kind. They had it stopped because towers were re-porting Mig 15s all the time, can you imagine that? So, if we spot a multi, we note the direction it‘s heading by looking at all the compass headings marked on the top railings.” Then he pointed up to the sky, his outstretched arm holding a clear plastic card with outlined circles printed on it. “Now you try fitting the plane into one of these circles on the

altitude estimator and note the altitude. Now, we’re ready to call the Filter Center in Canton, Ohio.” He grabs the phone through the open window, pointing to the big number pasted on the receiver before he dialed. “Remember, keep this number secret!” Then in an official slow monotone voice, “Test... test... aircraft... flash... from... able… fifteen... at... eighteen... hundred... hours... multiengine… prop… at... five... thousand... heading... two... seven... ze-ro... out. That’s how it’s done! Test test was to let them know it wasn’t a real aircraft flash, but the rest is how it’s reported. Canton will analyze all the flashes coming into their sector and if they think it’s a threat, scramble the interceptors. The system is like the one the British used in the WW II Battle of Britain. Worked for them, it’ll work for us!”

USAF Filter Center Sector Plotting Map

A huge glass tri-state sector map stood center stage in the operations room at the Filter Center. Air Force and civilian volunteers plotted the Aircraft Flashes, constantly moving and adjusting as up-dates came in. All the flashes were checked to see if they corresponded to any of the many scheduled and unscheduled commercial flights, military activ-ity and crosschecked with connecting sectors and Filter Centers for anything out of line. The uniden-tified became the focuses when they didn’t appear on radar and/or not responding on any radio fre-quency. The Officer of the Day, watching the events unfolding, analyzing anything out of the norm, had the authority to make the call. One call to the Air Defense Command put the whole sector on alert!


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On alert the vast network of the ADC was primed for action. Everything from CD air raid sirens to Nike missile sites alerts could be activated in minutes. All the GOC, Filter Center, radio and ra-dar information was quickly analyzed and if the unidentified aircraft was perceived as a threat, the command to intercept was given, “Scramble!”

F-86D Firing a 2.75” Folding Fin Rockets

With the horn blaring, red lights flashing, the U.S. Air Force Base closest to the threat sprang to life. The well-rehearsed choreography of pilots and ground crews quickly launched a flight of two F-86Ds, their full afterburner takeoff thrusting them into the overcast sky. The F-86D was the prime all weather interceptor at the time. The main weapon of this more powerful and radar equipped version of the famous Saber was a retractable belly tray of 24 - 2.75” folding fin rockets. If needed, all 24 could be fired together shotgun style with any one of the warheads doing the job. Flying at over 500 mph and constantly being vectored by radar control and a hi-tech data link, the flight was on a collision course to the target. When the interceptor’s radar picked up the target the pilot could elect to use the automatic radar/fire control system that would guide the plane and fire the rockets. But for an un-known, the pilot had to fly and ID with his own eyes. Slowing as they closed in on the target flying at 3000’ MSL and just below the overcast, the flight split into an eyes/shooter formation with the lead taking the high speed ID pass and the shooter lagging behind to fire if the target was really a Rus-sian bomber. The eyes had it! A TWA Super G Constellation, a friend. Extending their speed brakes, the F-86Ds slowly formed up on the Con-nie’s wing tips, each rocking their wings hello. The TWA plane was on an IFR flight from New York to Chicago when it had a complete electrical and vac-

uum failure. With no radios and the IFR instru-ments out, it was taking the Ohio Turnpike to Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

“Most the unknown multies turn out to be airliners, well almost.” Saying that, Mr. Johnson went to the tower deck railing and pointed down the valley. “But last year, a multi, a DC-4 comes flying up the river, I call a flash to Canton and what do you think it was? Turns out to be rogue freight outfit that lost their license and tried to fly auto parts under the radar to Erie, almost got shot down!”

Down in the valley, what little sky we could see was always filed with Piper Cubs and Aeronca Champs Sunday afternoons from 2 to 4, my time in the tower with Mr. Johnson. You would see one zig zagging low over the river and at the same time hear the rumble of a fast train. Around the bend they came, the Piper keeping exact pace with the big engine. A lot of pilots that learned to fly big iron during the war years found carefree fun in these colorful little planes, but others missed the sound and smell of their beloved P-51 Mustangs and joined the local Air Force Reserve. They would dog fight each other at tree top heights then pop up into a slow roll, their Merlin’s singing in perfect pitch all afternoon. But all that stopped when they got the F-86Ds. You would still see them, high above the little planes, but now in per-fect military formation. Now they had a mission. A month of Sundays went by and all I saw were singles, never a multiengine. My two buddies that had the 8 to 10 and 10 to 12 time slots had better luck. They called in Aircraft Flashes the same time, week after week. Scheduled airliners out of Pittsburgh on schedule! But my luck changed when Mr. Johnson asked me if I would like to take the twilight shift with him.

Twilight is always a magical time, the changing of stage, and the performance of night already in the wings. We sat on folding chairs, our feet on the deck railing watching the light drain from the sky and the stars flickering on and off. “Night Owls,” we were called! “Take the dusk to dawn watches. Mostly retired people like me don’t have that 9 to 5 workday so we can sleep anytime.” Mr. Johnson said, handing me the tower alarm clock with the


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words, “Russian pilots don’t sleep” printed across its face, “Set this for every 15 minutes, does the trick at 2 A.M., especially on cold winter nights in the cabin all cozy with a warm blanket.” Then, out of the cor-ner of my eyes a slight glisten, then vapor trails glowing from the last rays of sun still shining high above us. As the vapor trails grew, that gravely bass voice reaches us and we knew it was a B-36, the King of multi-engines. With the tower binoculars tight to my face I counted 10, 6 props and 4 jets, pushing it westward. “Thirty thousand feet plus and your call!” Mr. Johnson shouted, handing me the phone. I called in my first Aircraft Flash and as the weeks passed, a lot more. I was becoming a pro. I spent the next two months as a Night Owl.

10 Engine USAF B-36 Bomber King of Multi-engines!

As the last weeks of August came into view, football practice started and soon it would be back to school, back to algebra. Shaking my hand good bye, Mr. Johnson said something that put a new light on the watching thing. “This isn’t official, but you are a trained observer now and you have The Number, so if you happen to look up and see red stars on those wings, make the call!”

After that one summer we never went back. Other things became more exciting; cars and girls! You got the thrill of flying low over the roads in that 52 Ford, but you always ran the risk of being shot down by the girls. In fact, many times over! Even with all the new distractions, the sound of a plane always turned my eyes skyward, always remembering what Mr. Johnson had said.

In a few years big changes were taking place. The

new radar network and especially the hi-tech Dop-pler radar that detected low-flying aircraft had al-most completely eliminated the need for observers. Then there was the shock of Sputnik in 1957, the Space Race and ICBMs. The real threat now came from space at hypersonic speeds, not river valleys. With all these events, the Air Force saw no need for the GOC and the Skywatch program. Observation Post, Filter Centers and all were deactivated in 1959. The age of NORAD was at hand. The Air Defense Command had a slower death, rolling over in 1980; its sleek delta wing F-106 interceptors turned into target drones.

It has been over a half century since the Ground Ob-server Corps took it’s last look skyward, but I like to think that somewhere in Moscow, down in the base-ment of a government office building, in a filing cabinet marked Cold War, there is a document called Strategic Bomber Routes and Targets and on one of its pages is a line circle in red that reads, “All intelligence concludes that low level penetration is not attainable because of the saturation of ground observer post and their persistent vigilance!”

Update! A few years ago when looking at Google Maps/Satellite images I was surprised to find the location of New Castle’s old GOC tower. It was no longer standing high near the rail road tracks but pulled off to the edge of someone’s side yard. When I visited the area in 2012 I spotted the leftovers. The windowed cabin was standing upright but without its deck or long legs. It was in pretty good shape for being deactivated over fifty-five years ago. Saved by the local landowner, it now serves as a tool shed. The aerial shot shows New Castle’s GOC observa-tion tower (in red box) as it is today.

New Castle’s GOC Observation Tower


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News You Can Use

If you’re a Young Eagle who has experienced the thrill of flight first-hand and wants to see and do more in the exciting world of aviation, then it’s time to move from the right seat to the left seat. EAA and Sporty’s Pilot Shop have teamed up to offer you the Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course – a $249 value – offered for free! This online course is designed to take you all the way through the pro-cess of passing the FAA written exams to taking your first flight lesson. It’s a great way to begin your aviation journey!

The course is part of the EAA Young Eagles Flight Plan which begins with a Young Eagles flight, con-tinues with a free EAA Student Membership, the Sporty’s online course, a free first flight lesson at a local flight school of the student’s choice, and nu-merous flight training scholarships and awards.

It’s easy for you to unlock these benefits! Every Young Eagle receives a logbook, and inside that logbook (or on the back) is a special access code you can use to register online for these benefits on the Young Eagles website. What are you waiting for? Sign up today at https://secure.eaa.org/apps/student/! Start the fun NOW!

Air Academy Scholarship Basic Camp The EAA Basic Air Academy is the next exciting step through the world of aviation. Each "hands-on" activity is developed for the intermediate 14 and 15 year olds during a classroom and media presentation, specialized laboratory activities and aviation-related demonstrations.

Advanced Camp The EAA Advanced Air Academy provides an at-mosphere for mature students to become totally im-mersed in the world of flight. Ground instruction and introductory recreation flight experiences high-light this meaningful, action-packed camp. It com-bines "in-the-air" and "on-the-ground" hands-on activities. The EAA Advanced Air Academy also includes full participation (access to forums, flight-line and all associated activities) in EAA

AirVenture Oshkosh - the world's premier aviation event!

Applicants Any Young Eagle participant who expressed inter-est in attending the Air Academy during the sum-mer of 2014 or learning more about aviation should be encouraged to apply for the scholarship.

Selection Two Young Eagles – one for students ages 14-15 and the other for those 16-18 – will be selected.

Dates of Event The Basic camp (ages 14-15) will be held July 14-19 and the Advanced camp (ages 16-18) takes place July 22-30.

Key Dates 12/1/2013 - Application period opens; 1/31/2014 - Application period ends at 5 P.M.; 2/1-14/2014 - Application review by EAA 186 Committee; 2/14/2014 - Winners selected by Committee; 2/17/2014 - Applicants informed of results; 2/24/2014 - Applications submitted to EAA HQ.

Chapter 186 Merchandise

If you are interested in the polo shirts, long or short sleeved denim shirts, t-shirts, or caps, Diane Cole is taking orders for them. We can do the 50th Anni-versary logo or the classic EAA 186 logo on the polo and denim shirts, and we can arrange for per-sonalization. Pre-payment is required. We can also have personalized pretty much anything you want. Diane can be reached at dpcaml_at_yahoo.com.

Polo Shirts, with choice of logo, and 2 lines of per-sonalization are $40.

Denim Shirts, (short or long sleeve) with choice of logo & 2 lines of personalization are $45.

T-shirts, with logo are $18.

Coffee cups are $10.

Surprisingly, there hasn’t been much demand for caps but if you want one they’re $22.


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Who is EAA Chapter 186? by Sandi Miller-Long

As mentioned in the April 2013 edition of the Stick and Rudder, "Who is EAA Chapter 186?" is one of many celebratory events kicking off our historical 50th anniversary year. Each new issue of this news-letter will feature articles about our chapter mem-bers. And, since we now have a membership of over 250, this column will likely continue well into the coming years. If you’d like us to feature you or another member in one of these articles, please send a short bio and photo to chapter members Danny Miller at danny.miller_at_n107sd.com or Sandi Miller-Long at sandra_at_wunderwebs.com. We’re looking forward to learning about all our members!

David S. Watrous Retired 8/1/1987.

Brigadier General David S. Watrous was director for in-telligence, Head-quarters U.S. Pacif-ic Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Ha-waii.

General Watrous was born in 1937 in New Haven, CT and

graduated from East Haven High School in 1954. He earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1958 and a mas-ter's degree in electrical engineering from the Uni-versity of New Hampshire in 1967. He completed Squadron Officer School in 1962, Armed Forces Staff College in 1972 and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1978.

Entering the Air Force in 1958, he was commis-sioned a second lieutenant and assigned as a com-munications officer at Malmstrorn Air Force Base, MT. He transferred to Moore Air Base, TX as a student pilot and in January 1960 was assigned to the Airways and Air Communications Service at

Cannon Air Force Base, NM as a maintenance and supply officer. From July 1962 to June 1965 Gen-eral Watrous was a project engineer with the 6970th Support Squadron at Fort George G. Meade, MD.

Upon graduation from the University of New Hampshire in 1967, General Watrous was assigned as a staff development engineer with the deputy for reconnaissance and electronic warfare, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Research and Development, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C. In February 1972 General Watrous transferred to Aer-onautical Systems Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH where he served consecutively as the F-4 Wild Weasel project officer and, later, as management group leader for the Precision-Location Strike System. He became executive to the vice commander for Air Force Systems Com-mand, Andrews Air Force Base, MD in January 1975.

From September 1978 to June 1981 he served as director for the Joint Tactical Information Distribu-tion System, Electronic Systems Division, Hanscom Air Force Base, MA. He served as commander of the Foreign Technology Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base from June 1981 to Febru-ary 1983 and then served as Chief, Office of Sup-port to Military Operations, National Security Agency, Fort George G. Meade. He assumed his last duties in April 1985.

His military decorations and awards include the De-fense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clus-ters and Air Force Organizational Excellence Award.

He was promoted to brigadier general March 1, 1984, with date of rank Oct. 1, 1983.

January Meeting Speaker

Kicking off the new year at our January Member-ship meeting, George Sempeles, Aeronautical Infor-mation Specialist with the FAA, will give a fasci-nating presentation on how aviation charts are made. Coffee and donuts will be served. Hope to see you all there!


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Classifieds

1960 Piper Comanche (PA-24-180), $42.5k, see the ad in the “For Sale” section on the chapter webpage. Mustang II Project - I have all the ma-terial to finish the wing and flap needed to complete the aircraft. It comes complete with prop and a O-320 (150 HP) engine. I also have a full IFR panel to be installed. Asking $25k without panel or $27,500 with panel. This project can be finished in my hangar and flown off my strip. Hangar space available on a 3,000 ft. grass strip in Summit Point, WV. Call Jim Greer at 304-724-8260.

N10236 Osprey II $44,900.00. Professional - owner built, lost medical. Never flown, zero time on airframe, eager to fly after high speed taxi test! Lyc.0320 - 150 HP. Contact Al Cox @ 352-446-0750, Bushnell, FL. Once in a life time for this perfect AC.

Hangars. One is a “shared spot in a 48 foot insu-lated T-hangar. An RV or similar would fit nicely, or a high wing aircraft such as a Cessna 172 or smaller. Price is $330/month. The other is an air-craft lift also located in an insulated hangar. Price is $250/month. Both are condo hangars located at HEF. Contact Roger Anderson: 703-508-2641.

BFR? - Eric Puschmann will provide a free BFR to active EAA 186 members. Please try not to over-whelm him as he has no interest in taking on stu-dents at this time. Contact Eric at puschy_at_aol.com or 703-435-3512 to schedule.

ICOM IC-A14 transceiver, new in the box, never used. 700mW loud audio, full keypad, compact, lightweight, rugged body, large capacity Lithium-Ion battery pack, 200 channels with memory banks, BC-179 holder type battery charger, 5W typ., 1.5W output power, side tone function allows you to hear your own voice via a third party aviation headset, LCD backlight for night time operation, Auto Noise Limiter, low battery indication and beep alert, ad-justable microphone gain setting, BNC type anten-na connector. $200.00. Complete specs at http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/avionics/handheld/a14. Contact Danny Miller, 248-756-8048 or danny.miller_at_n107sd.com.

Sandra Miller-Long

Sandra_at_WunderWebs.com 248.756.8047


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President’s Page by Rob Anderson

This is my last message to you as President of Chapter 186. I’m grateful to all members, especial-ly for the opportunity to be Chapter President as we crossed the line for the 50th Anniversary. I set some goals and one of them is to consolidate our re-sources to get this chapter some recognition on our home airport of Manassas. This wasn’t just for the airport, but also for Chapter 186 members.

When I assumed the position two years ago, there was almost a submissive will that it cannot happen here because HEF is in the SFRA. All chapter members make the Manassas Airport SFRA loca-tion a non-event for our purpose. This is evident in our participation in some of the airport activities, such as the pancake breakfast, lunch trailer, the Air-port Open House, American Helicopters Open House, the Chapter’s very own Wings Over Manas-sas, cleaning and repainting the Chapter House, bringing the EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor and B-17 to Manassas Airport in the same year, and the devel-opment and expansion of the Young Eagles pro-gram at Manassas are all hugely successful under-takings only through your volunteerism. Granted, some of these activities are unfinished, some con-tinue to grow, and they always will be. But they’ll get done with the patient and willing spirit of the volunteer who steps in to see it through.

I personally want to thank Danny Miller for patient-ly waiting on me every month because I’m appar-ently his last contribution to the newsletter; Sandi Miller for her efforts with the Wings Over Manas-sas Program and leading the 50th Anniversary Gala; Judy and Al Sparks for your unselfish loyalty and active contribution to the chapter since its begin-ning; Larry Bell for the last two years because you do like change and your unwavering support for change to improve the chapter; Laura Hoover for the daily drudgework of keeping the Chapter affairs in order; Diane Cole, who is always a voice of ad-vice at meetings; Tim Lewis and his son for coming out many weekends to clean and mop the Chapter House floors and fix things; Tony Fletcher who de-veloped the present format and hosts our web site; James Sultan who volunteered as a new leader for

our community efforts and the Young Eagle pro-gram, who is able to inspire the pilot and aircraft owner volunteers to provide the very heart of the Young Eagles program benefit, the expense and time of your airplanes for the Young Eagles for points so we can send kids to Young Eagles camp every summer; Mary Dominiak who became our B-17 coordinator and did an impressive job with the EAA B-17 crew. I especially want to thank Paul Schafer, who stepped in at a very critical time for the Ford Tri-Motor visit with the memorable trip into the FRZ. Paul made this project possible and rose as the phoenix and in a few short weeks was able to keep our city and state in a favorable light with the EAA Ford Tri-Motor program office, to the airport and our community. My wife, Beth, who helped me at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of my terms was always willing to help me with her advice, expertise and generally her willingness to fill a support role where and when needed. All of you met these goals, made new goals and reached them. I know these are your su-per accomplishments for the Chapter.

The Chapter’s accomplishments are possible when you come to the events and give your time, work, and great conversations as we work side by side. There are so many of you not mentioned here who are just the backbones to many or all of our events. I know you’ll continue to volunteer, but also hope that for those who haven’t had the chance to volun-teer, you can find a few minutes in the next year to participate in our activities and make your Chapter a lasting impression in our community.

Business Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Paul Schafer called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M. Rob Anderson had asked Paul to start the meeting since he would be late. Rob joined the meeting at 7:15. In addition to Rob and Paul, Larry Bell, Diane Cole, Danny Miller, Sandie Miller, Richard Long, Al Sparks, Judy Sparks, Mary Do-miniak, O.C. Baker, Gil Coshland, Dan Botzer, Laura Hoover and Jim Stone were in attendance.

Last BOD Meeting Minutes: The first order of business was to accept the minutes from the Octo-ber Business and General Meetings. Danny moved


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to approve the minutes as written, Laura seconded the motion and the vote was unanimously approved.

Chapter 186 Christmas {Ed.: Festivus for the rest of us} Potluck Dinner: Paul asked Judy Sparks to give an update on the Christmas Potluck and toy drive to benefit Toys for Tots. The event will be held December 8th in the Chapter House at KHEF from 1-4 P.M. For those bringing toys for donation, please bring a new unwrapped toy. MOST IM-PORTANTLY, bring your favorite side dish and contact Judy Sparks to inform her of the dish you are bringing when you RSVP. Chapter 186 will provide baked ham, roast turkey and drinks. Laura Hoover is baking ham and Jim Hill is roasting the turkey. Board members responding during the meeting were: Gil bringing dessert, Sandie bringing stuffing and Mary bringing a five bean salad. Judy is asking that everyone RSVP by December 2nd. Judy’s contact information is: jhsparks_at_comcast.net and 703-590-9112.

B-17 Funds Receipt: Paul reported that Rob had received a check from EAA HQ for the Chapter’s participation in the recent visit to Manassas. The Chapter received over $2,800 for getting passengers in seats for the flights. Rob said he would be mail-ing the check to Laura this week.

Chapter House Rules: Richard Long suggested posting Chapter House Rules for everyone to follow when using the facility. It seems some of our Chap-ter members don’t always reset the thermostat to 55 °F and lock the doors, leaving the Chapter House very vulnerable to interlopers. The Board asked Richard to make a poster-sized sign with the rules clearly spelled out. The rules will be on the sign, the subject of a news blast and published in the newsletter.

Finance Committee Investment Decision: Rob asked for the recommendations from the Finance Committee. The committee recommended adding to the Wellington Fund and putting money into lad-dered Certificates of Deposits. A discussion on the Chapter investments will be a part of the General Membership Meeting on Saturday, November 23, 2013. A vote on how to proceed with the Finance Committee’s recommendation will be conducted during the General Meeting. {Ed.: Due to an over-

whelmingly low turnout at the General meeting, this vote will take place at the December Festivus event.}

Chapter Financial Audit: Due to major changes in the Board Officers, Rob Anderson directed an audit be completed prior to the end of his and other Of-ficer’s terms on December 31st. Dan Botzer (incoming Secretary), Danny Miller (incoming President) and Diane Cole (returning Merchandise Director) will make up the audit team. The audit is due back to the Board Members on December 15th.

2014 Budget Due Date: Rob reminded the incom-ing Board the subject meeting is the due date for the 2014 Budget. The incoming Officers should decide on the board positions needed and who needs to fill them. Rob also strongly recommended the new board develop procedures for accounting for cash transaction accounting. The breakfast manager and the treasurer should sign off cash transactions, such as those from pancake breakfasts. There should be receipts for the manager and the treasurer. New procedures for accounting for funds should be in-corporated into the By Laws.

Young Eagles Academy: James Sulton was not in attendance at this meeting. However, Sandie stated that he has everything organized, scheduled and will be providing an update to the board soon. He has the program laid out and two positions reserved for attendees for next year. He has the applications and selections process set up and ready for execu-tion.

EAA HQ 50th Anniversary Plaque: Rob brought the subject plaque to the meeting and asks that it be placed on the wall in the Chapter House.

Volunteer Scheduling Software: Sandie reported she purchased the subject software that was ap-proved via email. We will be using it for future events.

Outreach: Rob suggested we give calendars to those businesses on the airport that supported our activities this past year. We have 18 available. The Board suggested: APP, American Helicopters, Avi-ation Adventures, Dulles, Capitol, Tower, Potomac TRACON, Chic-Fil-A, Museum, American Avia-tion and the Airport.


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Old Business Anniversary: There are CDs and DVDs of pic-tures from the Gala. No decision was reached on what to do with them at this point, but maybe use them at the Christmas/Festivus party.

Volunteer Recognition: Sandie led a discussion on how to recognize volunteers. Cups and T-shirts were discussed as awards for volunteer participa-tion. Sandie will manage this program.

Merchandise: Diane reminded everyone we have cups, caps and shirts for sale. Ray Comley ordered a shirt but hasn’t been able to pick it up due to health issues. Gill moved that we give him the shirt, Laura seconded and the approval vote was unanimous. Judy and Diane are working the logis-tics of getting the shirt to Ray and getting Ray to the Christmas/Festivus party.

Membership: Judy Sparks reported membership as of today is 250. She also reported the automation of the application process is proceeding. This pro-cess will allow data collection and storage of mem-ber’s information that can be data mined and report-ed as a part of the automation.

Airport Liaison/Security: O.C. reported the air-port is rewriting the rules and regulations. It is 44 pages and it is in everyone’s best interests to read them and make comments by the December 18th deadline.

Facilities: Richard Long wanted to know the rental rates for the hangers. The builder hanger is $300 a month and the other hangers are $325 a month. Richard and Jim Stone reported the garbage dispos-al needs to be replaced.

The meeting adjourned at 8:16 P.M.

General Meeting Minutes Saturday, November 22, 2013

Rob Anderson called the meeting to order at 10:10 A.M. There were 20 members in attendance during the course of the meeting.

Christmas/Festivus Potluck Dinner: See the busi-ness meeting minutes.

B-17 Funds Receipt: Rob reported we received a

check from EAA HQ for the B-17 event in the amount of $2,834.85. Ground tours accounted for 307.50. Flights accounted for $2,280.00. Merchan-dise sales accounted for 247.35. He will be for-warding the check to Laura Hoover for deposit.

Chapter House Rules: See the business meeting minutes.

Chapter Finance Committee Decision/Financial Audit: See the business meeting minutes.

EAA HQ 50th Anniversary Plaque: Rob reported on the subject plaque and that it will be placed on the wall in the Chapter House.

Anniversary: See the business meeting minutes.

Airport Rules Changes: Jack McCombs provided those present with some of the rules changes that are being proposed by the Manassas Airport Com-mission. He did us all a service by pointing out some of the absurdity of the current non-aviator bu-reaucratic groupthink. One example was that pilots and others can only walk out to the parking area to enplane or deplane. That literally means that checking tire pressure, refueling, showing off your new panel is prohibited by the proposed rules unless you are enplaning. Another was airport identifica-tion badges must be worn and visible at all times. It’s not clear as to whether Chapter members who have no airport identification can come onto airport property or use the gates for entry to the Chapter House. Another example: You may not trap, maim, kill or destroy any animal life on the airport. That means that if you have a hanger with brown recluse or black widow spiders, you cannot rid the hanger of them by any means other than letting them live out their life cycle. Another example: ANY fuel spill of ANY amount MUST be reported to 911 IM-MEDIATELY. And last, but not least, no EXPERI-MENTAL flights can take off or land at KHEF. All Chapter members are encouraged to read and com-ment to Gary Dehnel, our representative on the Air-port Board, as well as forward their comments to the Airport Commission via email.

EAA HQ Chapter Video: Rob played the latest sub-ject video from EAA HQ.

The meeting adjourned at 11:32 A.M.


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For the Record

I’ve received several questions lately on what maintenance records and responsibilities an owner has. For instance, do you have to keep logbooks in the plane, and how long do I have to keep mainte-nance receipts? Are the maintenance records I need to keep the same for a homebuilt or Experimental Light Sport Aircraft as a certificated plane?

Let’s review some of the maintenance record keep-ing requirements this month. The definitive section of the regulations is subpart E to FAR Part 91. Subpart E is the 400 section of Part 91. FAR Part 91.403 says that the owner or operator of an aircraft is primarily responsible for maintaining the aircraft in an airworthy condition. This means that the owner/operator must take the aircraft to the proper-ly rated maintenance personnel for appropriate maintenance. For instance, the plane must be taken to an IA (or other approved person/place) for an annual inspection, and any in-between maintenance must be performed by an appropriately rated person or place as defined in FAR Part 43. If an Air-worthiness Directive (AD) has a time or hourly lim-it, it’s the owner/operator’s responsibility to see that it’s complied with by the appropriately rated maintenance personnel. If it’s an experimental air-craft, Part 43 doesn’t apply, and the Operating Lim-itations kick in. Anyone can do maintenance on an experimental, and either an A&P or the principal builder with a repairman certificate can do the an-nual condition inspection (or a repair station). The requirement to perform the maintenance is in FAR Part 91.405. The inspection requirement is in FAR Part 91.409, and it refers to Part 43. So, again, ex-perimental aircraft need to refer to their Operating Limitations.

FAR Part 91.407 says that no person may operate an aircraft following any form of maintenance, re-building, alteration or inspection unless it has been approved for return to service by a person author-ized in Part 43. The phrase “…approved for return to service…” means a logbook entry. And the op-erator is responsible to ensure that this logbook en-

try has been made. FAR Part 91.409 invokes basi-cally the same requirement for logging inspections. Again, experimentals must follow what is in their Operating Limitations. Let me note at this point that the cumulative effect of 91.403 and 91.407 is that if you rent an aircraft from anyone, including a club, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the maintenance and inspection records are up to date.

FAR Part 91.417 covers maintenance records. It splits records into two major sections, each of which have different retention times. The first sec-tion includes normal maintenance, preventative maintenance (owner/operator), alteration, and rec-ords of inspections (100-hour, annual, progressive and other approved inspections) for all portions of the aircraft. These records must include a descrip-tion of the work performed, the date of completion of the work, and the signature and certificate num-ber of the person signing the record. Note that by signing the record, the person is approving the air-craft for return to service. These records only have to be retained until the work is repeated or super-seded by other work or for one year after the work is completed!

The second section of 91.417 covers records con-taining (1) the total time in service of the airframe, engine(s), propeller(s), and rotor(s), (2) the current status of life limited parts, if the airplane has any, (3) the time since overhaul of any items that are re-quired to be overhauled on a specified basis, (4) the current inspection status, including the time since the last inspection, (5) the current status of ADs and if the AD requires recurring action, the time and date when the next action is due, and (6) copies of each major alteration (FAA Form 337) to the air-frame, engine(s), propeller(s), rotor(s), and appli-ances. These records must be retained forever and transferred with the aircraft when it is sold.

The third major paragraph in 91.417 says that the owner/operator shall make all records required to be kept by this section available for inspection by the FAA or NTSB. It doesn’t specify how quickly you must respond. It doesn’t require that the rec-ords be kept in the airplane. It doesn’t require you

Koehler’s Korner


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to show the maintenance records to local law en-forcement officials.

Just to be complete, there is a fourth paragraph in 91.417 covering fuel tanks installed in the passen-ger compartment of the plane. If you have them, the paperwork for them (337) must be kept in the plane. FAA Part 91.417 applies to experimental aircraft just as it does for certificated, for those rec-ords required to be kept for experimental aircraft.

Obviously, most of us keep all our aircraft logbooks forever. This is considered a positive point if the aircraft is ever sold, but the reality is that other than the time in service, AD status, and 337s for altera-tions, most anything over a year old can be legally tossed! And no, you do not need to keep the logs in the plane. However, there is a theory that says if the plane crashes and burns, having the records burn with it will seriously restrict the FAA from reviewing them and potentially violating you for some inconsistency in them!

One last comment on aircraft records is that there is no specified form of the records. They can be in one or several logbooks, loose leaf pages, or com-puterized.

Hope this hint on maintaining records helps you keep flying safely with a mind at ease that the pa-perwork is all in order.

Dick 12/2013

Directory Updates

DID YOU CHANGE YOUR E-MAIL?

Please advise Judy Sparks, 703-590-9112 or jhsparks_at_comcast.net if any of your Member-ship Directory information changes.

The chapter currently has 252 members.

NEW MEMBERS Khokhar, Zunair 3090 S. Abington St. Arlington, VA 22206 703-931-8548 zunairkhokher_at_gmail.com

Ratings: Student

O’Brien, Dan & Laura 1503 Walden Drive McLean, VA 22101 571-205-1869 limadelta_at_gmail.com Ratings: Pvt., Inst. Aircraft: Lancair Super ES (P)

Aviation Enthusiasts by Sandi Miller-Long

Mid-Atlantic region folks interested in air shows, fly-ins and other aviation events now have a new tool at their disposal. WunderWebs.com has launched a new events listing and calendar based website, http://aviationevent.com featuring an events calendar for local aviation activities, a blog, social networking and newsletter sign-ups.

Festivus Party Update

Due to snow, the potluck has been postponed until Sunday, December 15th. Same time and place! Please respond with your RSVP if you’re still plan-ning to attend. Call Judy Sparks (703-590-9112) or Sandi Miller-Long (248-756-8047) if you have any questions.

Kick off the Holiday Season! Bring your family to our Chapter House on Sunday, December 15th 1:00 P.M. — 4:00 P.M. We'll provide baked ham, roast turkey, and drinks! Please bring a side dish, per-haps your family’s favorite vegetable, salad, casse-role, pie, cake or cookies. We’ll also be collecting for “TOYS FOR TOTS” so please bring a new un-wrapped toy to be given to the less fortunate in our area by the Marine Corps. Food! Fun! Prizes! PLEASE RSVP as soon as possible to let Judy Sparks know if you are coming and what side dish you plan to bring. Contact Judy by email jhsparks_at_comcast.net or call 703-590-9112.


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CALENDAR Date Event/Location Contact Remarks

December Sun, 15 1 P.M.

Chapter Christmas Party Judy Sparks

Sat. 14 10 A.M.

YE rally, Chapter house James Sulton CANCELED

January 2014 Sat. 11

10 A.M. YE rally, Chapter house James Sulton james_at_aviationed.net

510-384-7286 Wed 22 7 P.M.

Chapter Business Meeting Danny Miller

Sat, 25 10 A.M

General Meeting Chapter House

Sandi Miller-Long George Sempeles (FAA) on how aviation charts are made.

February Sat. 8


510-384-7286 Wed 19 7 P.M.


Sat, 22 10 A.M


Sandi Miller-Long

March Sat. 8


510-384-7286 Wed 19 7 P.M.


Sat, 22 10 A.M


Sandi Miller-Long

April Tue. 1 - Sat. 6

SUN 'n FUN International Fly- In and Expo, Lakeland, FL

http://www.sun-n-fun.org/

Sat. 12 10 A.M.

YE rally, Chapter house James Sulton james_at_aviationed.net 510-384-7286

Wed 23 7 P.M.


Sat, 26 10 A.M


Sandi Miller-Long

Sat. 10 10 A.M.

YE rally, Chapter house James Sulton james_at_aviationed.net 510-384-7286

Wed 28 7 P.M.


Sat, 31 10 A.M


Sandi Miller-Long

May

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