In case you missed the Monday night meeting, here's what went on:
Jan. general meeting called to order at 7:30 by President Brian Heinmiller in the Caledon Rm (thanks to Julie Pomeroy) of BFC. There were 37 members present. The meeting will be held in reverse of the usual agenda to ensure that time constraints do not cause prorogation of the speaker. There were no visitors, new members or first flights. Since Charlie Douma missed presentations at the Christmas party; he was presented with a completion award for building his 6th aircraft. Bill Tee introduced the evening's speaker, Phillip Gray, author and WWII Lancaster pilot who flew combat over Germany. While his training was in Texas on Stearmans and Harvards, 90% of RAF pilots were in fact trained in Canada. Of those trained, 50% washed out, and went on to become navigators or bombardiers. Back in the UK, they transitioned from Oxfords to Lancs. Training consisted of high flying, low flying, day flying, night flying and corkscrew. After 45 hrs, they were then assigned. One in ever four bombers had a Canadian pilot. Canuks, Aussies, Kiwis and Brits did night flying because they could navigate. Typically they were at 22,000 ft carrying 22,000 lbs of bombs. Some Lancs completed 100 sorties (the planes were designed for 1!). One operation not receiving much coverage was operation Manna where 600 planes, carrying 7000 lbs of food each, 'bombed' occupied Holland as famine relief. The speaker was thanked by Bill Tee, who then reviewed Phillip's display of books and other memorabilia that was at the front on display.
Break for coffee and d'oh nuts.
Post break Charlie Douma motioned that Dec.'s meeting minutes, as published in the newsletter, be accepted, seconded by Paul Horsten and passed. The dir's meeting had not occurred at presstime and thus the minutes were absent from the newsletter. Treasurer's report showed a healthy bank account and a stable rainy-day fund. So far there are 76 members paid up for 2010. Bernie Wurster stated that he arranged for Pointer ELT people to come and visit us at the Feb. general meeting. Pointer's test program is slowed due to the inclusion of a combined GPS and Com antenna. In his 'Minute for Maintenance' Bernie outlined who may work on aircraft (type certified and amateur built) (see additional article). In Open Forum Alain O. reviewed winter operations, stressing all surfaces must be cleaned, the club's propane heater works well, and carry survival equipment for the unexpected. Niel Mont added some useful items to Alain's equipment list. Fred Grootarz gave a brief yet relevant review of Metars and their interpretation. It was well received but without time for questions due to meeting adjournment, issues can be discussed at next meeting where Fred will present a related topic.
Meeting adjourned at 9:55 pm.
Jan 8, 2010
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