MINUTES

MEETING: CHAPTER 309

APRIL 18, 2005

The meeting was called to order at 7:08 pm at the Ole Smokehouse Family Restaurant in Charlotte, NC.

The following visitors were welcomed:

Randy Edwards- Member EAA National but no chapter affiliation

Todd Lesh- Member EAA National but no chapter affiliation

Dr. Charles Lutin- February Speaker

Harold and Stuart Schwab- Starting Sonnex project

Ravi Thakkar circulated an attendance sheet.

The Building and Finance Committes made a report to the Chapter. Sam Stewart reported for the Financial Committee that the committee was suggesting three options for funding a hangar project:

(1) Obtain a loan from a lending agency

(2) Raise the money through the sale of bonds

(3) Seek donations

It was also reported that the application for 501(c)3 tax exempt status is in process and more will be available by the next meeting. Goal is to begin construction in August. The project is anticipated to cost $50000-60000. Chapter now has about $25000 that can be applied to the project. All amenities have as yet not been decided . The Building Committee will be making project presentation to the Gastonia people soon.

A number of upcoming fly ins were announced. Ronnie will send out particulars.

A consensus of those who attended Sun ‘n’ Fun was that there was a good time had by all, the showers have been improved, and the cost of getting there has risen sharply.

A visitor from UNCC reported that UNCC has an automotive engineering program that is geared towards NASCAR and open wheel cars. They need people with metal working, fiberglas, welding, machining, etc. skills. They encourage volunteers to contribute to the program. The idea of a two way internship was described, one where volunteers might couple to projects at the University and their students will be available to work with EAA members on their projects. It was suggested that we meet sometime in the future at their facility to further familiarize ourselves with this programWand its possibilities.

A brainstorming session yielded the following topics for future considerations.

(1) Determine what makes a chapter a strong one. Columbia SC was

Cited as a model to investigate

(2) Have CFI members offer free ground school for members

(3) Negotiate better fuel prices for Chapter members

(4) Have skills oriented, hands on workshops

(5) Have mentors for new members

(6) Have fly outs, share a ride

(7) Have more contributors to the newsletter

(8) Hold Hangar flying sessions with prizes

(9) On line forum (Fred volunteered to set this up)

(10) Try to entice National members to join Chapter 309

(11) Flying Start Sessions

(12) Get a waffle pancake maker

(13) Have more speakers

(14) Have a pinch hitter course for spouses

(15) Host a Wings Program

(16) Set up incentives to members who recruit new members

The next meeting will be in Gastonia, New Hope Road, at Alfred and Charlies Barbeque. The date will be May 16, 2005. The speaker will be John Crouse.