GEFA PAST Presidents Hanger
Doug Young: 2009-2010
Doug was volunteered for the position when he was not at one of the meetings, by his daughter and son in law.
DECEMBER 2010
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts!
Re: the November GEFA meeting,
What a turnout !
36 members were present with a huge Thanksgiving Spread that was awesome!
Thanks for the great memory.
As you may have read in the November Minutes it was decided to forgo the Country Club this year and have a Christmas Pot-luck at the Seaman’s Lodge — I am anticipating a repeat of the November gathering with many fine dishes to sample. GEFA has the best Chefs around !
I want to take this opportunity to thank the four members that threw their hats into the ring and have made the commitment to carry on with the GEFA Board of Directors — specifically, Tim O’Brien and Chris Evans who will now be President & Secretary, and Gary Gilliat and Karen Smith who have graciously consented to continue as Vice President & Treasurer.
I cannot believe that two years have passed since Maureen & I began to serve as Board members. I have not been as active as I thought that I would be but there is more to be done as a member of this incredible group. I really thank the Board members for pulling it all together. It really is a group effort.
Tim will be asking us if we want to start moving toward a 2011 AirFest. We will need a huge turnout of the membership and a lively discussion on the subject. Please stay tuned and be there for this VERY important part of what it is we do for our community and the aviation community
Maureen & I want to thank all of you for your continued support of GEFA and the effort that we put out for the AirFest and the scholarship program.
For now I leave you with a few more pictures from our trip to the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinville, Oregon.
Thanks again to one and all. See you at the Lodge — Thursday, December 16, 1800 hours. Please bring festive table cloths, decorations, an so forth. Watch for other bulletins about the occasion.
Doug
Gee Bee
This if for the EAA folks amongst us !
What every airplane should have.
Baby Great Lakes - 1997. It took seven years to build and flew once !
This is some of an SR-71’s plumbing.
OCTOBER 21, 2010
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts!
Maureen & I have just returned from a 10 day trip to the Pacific Northwest and have many pictures to share and a story or two.
We saw the Oregon Gardens at Silverton. Lots of blooms although late in the season. It is about 80 acres and beautiful — not as grandiose as the Butchart Gardens in Canada but close.
Then we were off to McMinnville to re-visit the H-1, et. al — AKA The Spruce Goose and friends.
The latest addition to the complex is the “Space Museum” where there is quite an assortment of early rockets and a control room. The docents there are what make the place. The ownership had an incredible staff of Engineers, Designers, and museum staff but the docents really make the place shine.
The Titan III engine below was made during my tenure at Aerojet — my finger prints are on some of the pump parts.
Here is the rest of the Titan. It stands 114 feet tall. (So we were told)
An even newer addition to the complex is a hotel and water slide. The plan is to go up into the 747 and slide through it and out into tubes that wrap around and back into the building.
Here is how one can get around the museum complex.
Yes, folks, it is a Space Shuttle Shuttle!
The following day we joined friends in Portland and went to a small air museum on the Columbia River just over the bridge in Washington. The place is called “The Pearson Air Museum” Small but a very nice assortment.
Below is our host, Frank Synoground, a former owner of “Boomer Sound” in the Brunswick Basin. Frank is acquainted with the owner of this aircraft and has been up in it.
Frank’s Bride, Kaye, is a VERY well know artist in the Pacific Northwest.
Here is a Kaye Synoground original.
I know that this message is a bit off of the track but my rational will be revealed at the Pot Luck on Thursday evening.
One other note: It is nearly time to retire the current board. Please be thinking about serving this fantastic organization.
Happy Flying while the weather lasts.
AUGUST 2010
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts!
It’s been a quiet end of July and start of August, so far.
The Air Attack base is getting a bit busier one may have noted — Their pilots are very courteous when it comes to their operations but — give them a little extra room they are closing at something in excess of 200 KTS and get here quickly.
If you caught the item in the Union, Renowned Aviatrix Patty Wagstaff is the OV-10 Spotter pilot this year. I heard a story, that when interviewed for the position, she was asked if she would be attempting any aerobatics in the OV-10. Her response was, "not unless you pay me." Sounds like a very interesting person. We will try to have her attend one of our gatherings.
The band of airmen & airladies are back from the trip to Oregon — I am sure that they will have some stories to tell. Here are some pix of the journey.
It looks to me that someone needs to pick on a vehicle his size ! Thanks Katie for the pix !
This item bears repeating
Last month, Gary briefed us on the new FAA taxi instructions for towered airports that will be in effect by June 30, 2010. Should you have any questions you can go to the FAA website for more information. The link is: http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Notice/N7110.528.pdf
This is REALLY important to those of us that frequent air fields with control towers.
If you have made an individual trip somewhere please contribute your notes and send along any Pictures that we may post on the GEFA website.
See you at the BBQ
Doug
June 2010
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts!
Well, it seems that My rant about the weather has been heard — Spring hath sprung in spades.
I hope to hear about the excursions to hither, thither & yon in the coming months.
For those explorers that are venturing forth to the wilds of Oregon, take care of each other and take lots of pictures
So it’s off to the picnic grounds next to the bus parking lot near the Airpark Office this month — will the last good Samaritan that had possession of the supplies and the charcoal please bring them one last time? Please call for a new volunteer (if needed)
Unfortunately, Maureen & I will be away this week and will not be able to attend — I trust that VP, Messer Gilliat will hold forth in great form — have that song completed?
This has been a VERY busy month what with Three Graduation Ceremonies and Two Grad Parties I was not able to put together a photo essay for this month’s letter. I promise to be better
I do have one offering though; I wonder who amongst us will be the first to have one of these?
Scholarship Recipient update:
Does anyone have ANY information on our other recipients ? We should try to gather this info.
Aria Davenport has completed his Private Pilot License while attending Sac State University; He is now searching for a college with an Aviation Major — to date, it is a toss up between Kansas State and Arizona State. Any other College suggestions out there? doug@sierracustomcutting.com (265-2966)
On a personal note: Now that I am mostly retired, I am available for Joy Rides, safety observer or companion almost any time — will contribute to the gas fund.
One more thing, I received a message about a very interesting publication — follow the link to sign up for free copies of this internet magazine called "Flying for Fun." http://www.flyingforfun.net/index.html
An update on Captain Sullenberger
Capt. Sullenberger inspires youth interested in aviation
Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, the Danville man famous for the January 2009 safe landing of a plane in the Hudson River in New York after a flock of birds disabled both of its engines, retired earlier this year after nearly 30 years as a commercial pilot.
Actually, "retired" might be too strong a word for what Sullenberger is up to these days, he said Saturday at an event in Hayward for local youth interested in aviation.
"It was retirement in name only," he said. "I just took one of many things off my plate, but I still am active as a safety advocate, doing public speaking, still traveling around, and of course doing volunteer work, a purpose that's very close to my heart."
That volunteer work brought him today to the Hayward Executive Airport on behalf of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program.
In September, Sullenberger was named co-chair of the program along with Jeff Skiles, his co-pilot on US Airways Flight 1549 on Jan. 15, 2009. The two men safely landed the plane in the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 people onboard.
Sullenberger said the program, which takes children up in a small airplane for a short flight, "is designed to ignite passion in young people about aviation, either in terms of a career or for recreation."
The program's flights with the famous pilot today were canceled though due to high winds in the area.
"Part of what aviation is about is managing risk, and especially for people who are not experienced travelers, we want to make it a very positive and very pleasant experience for them," Sullenberger said. "It was a bit windy today, so we're going to wait to give them a flight another day."
The decision to land the plane in the Hudson River was a result of Sullenberger's risk management skills.
Rather than trying to make it back to LaGuardia Airport, where the plane had taken off minutes earlier, and risk potentially killing people on the ground if the plane didn't make it to the airport, he said he decided the safest option was to attempt the landing in the river.
The events of that day earned Sullenberger nationwide praise and attention. He was invited to President Obama's inauguration in Washington and honored at the Super Bowl and other events in the ensuing months, including receiving keys to the city in both New York City and his hometown of Danville.
He also released a book, "Highest Duty," in 2009, and said Saturday that he is working on another book that will be released in the next couple years.
Sullenberger said he has tried to take all the interest in the story, dubbed by the media as the "Miracle on the Hudson," and use it to honor his colleagues and inspire the next generation of aviators.
"Within days of our emergency landing in the Hudson, when it first became obvious to us that this story would get so much attention, we felt a real obligation to our profession and to our colleagues, that we'd be the best representatives of our profession and our industry," he said.
— Bay City News Service
You would not believe the negative responses to the above article in the Danville Express. We know the truth!
HAPPY LANDINGS
Doug Young: G.E.F.A. President
May 2010
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts!
Okay. Enough is enough. Spring was here, then it wasn’t, then it was, then it wasn’t — enough already.
Well we did have some sun and Grandson Aria & I did get in our first cross-country flight. We departed Auburn and flew direct to Willows for breakfast. Nancy’s Café is a hoot. Breakfast was great and the ambiance was fitting. Aria made a big hit with the charming waitress when he asked if he could substitute the mushrooms for Jalapeños and Pepper Jack cheese. Don’t know where that boy got his taste buds!
Sears must have had a paint sale! The place is open 24/7 . . . amazing!
When we arrived back at AUN, Dennis Pearson — Aria’s flight instructor — took Aria up for a checkout session in a Cessna 150. (More time, Less $$) Here is his second landing.
While waiting for them, This creation landed. . .
Has anyone seen one like this?
Still looking for a WWII WASP in the area. Would make a fascinating evening — I did my early flight training with one and would love to hear some more of the stories. Please let me know if you know of any.
How about our past Scholarship recipients? We could use an update on their progress, jobs, training, and so forth — might even get some to pay us a visit.
Then there was the intrepid adventurers arriving home after a coast to coast (almost) flight. Nice landing Doug.
"Home at last!" - Doug
"Are we there yet?" - Gary
Please plan to join us to hear from Doug & Gary and partake in a scrumptious Pot Luck. Please bring your favorite dish to share.
Remember: General Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner is at Airport Park at the AIRPORT — weather may be an issue.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Social Hour = 1800
Dinner Bell = 1840
Meeting = 1900
Adjourn = 2000
HAPPY LANDINGS
Doug Young: G.E.F.A. President
March 10, 2010
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts!
WOW! What a great meeting last month. Great food, camaraderie, and a guest of Gerald Davenport, Mr. Mac Small — Karen signed him up as a new member! Mac met Gerald at the local Mac Users Group and came to pay us a visit. He is a Lawyer and has offered to look over our Charter and Incorporation papers. Thanks Mac.
If you have not been made aware, a local Pilot by the name of Michael Graves won the AOPA Sweepstakes this year. He is the proud owner of a 2005 Cirrus. There is a video of the awards session at Alta Sierra Airport here http://www.aopa.org/feature/lgfsweepsaward/index.html?WT.adv=adv1 (Be sure to follow the links to the follow on articles.)
(As an aside, I work for Autometrix Cutting Systems near the Airpark where we make a computer controlled cutting machine. The Cirrus folks own three of these cutters in making their aircraft)
Hope the weather clears up by meeting time.
Let’s keep on with the "True Pot luck" for now unless there are other desires. Let me know
Remember: General Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner is at Seamens Lodge, Nevada City.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Social Hour = 1800
Dinner Bell = 1840
Everyone: Bring a Dish, dessert, or salad.
See you there.
HAPPY LANDINGS
Doug Young: G.E.F.A. President
February 15, 2010
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts!
There have been a number of developments of some importance that need to be addressed at this meeting. So please join us for a lively meeting at the Lodge.
We will try another true “Pot Luck” in that there are no assignments of what to bring.
••• Please see the repeat of the January Message [below]. (Since we canceled the January meeting.) •••
January 15, 2010
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts!
First and Foremost: The Christmas Dinner Dance was quite a "do." Thanks to Katie, Gayle, and Betty !
Karen reminds us that it’s dues time again. Please plan on making your contribution at our meeting on January 21 or if you are unable to attend please send your check to GEFA at P.0. Box 375, Grass Valley, Ca. 95945. Dues are still just $10 per person or $20 per family!
Let’s try another Traditional Pot Luck again this month. No schedule of what to bring . . . just Pot Luck.
If you have not heard by now, not that I have not been shouting it from the tree tops, our grandson, Aria Davenport passed his check ride in late November and Grandpa Doug was his first passenger in early December.
Maureen, Myself, and the Davenport Family wish to thank the GEFA organization for the kickoff scholarship and all of the great support.
New members:
Gayle Amato sent along a copy of a letter that was sent to the Airpark Customer List in 1997 looking for members. This could be updated and sent out again for the price of the postage.
Looking forward to a strong & prosperous new year for all of us. 2010 MANTRA… More fly outs… More gatherings !
Remember: General Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner is at Seamens Lodge, Nevada City.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Social Hour = 1800
Dinner Bell = 1840
Brief Business Meeting = 1900±
Adjourn = 2000±
Everyone: Bring a Dish, dessert, or salad.
HAPPY LANDINGS
Doug Young: G.E.F.A. President
October 11, 2009
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts!
Your Board of Directors had a meeting with the EAA Board to discuss the Financial situation that revolves around AirFest. The result is that there are several items that MUST be voted on by the membership. This is VERY important and WILL affect the $$ situation regarding AirFest and our Scholarship program.
Please make sure to mark your calendar for this meeting.
General Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner is at Seamens Lodge, Nevada City.
October 15, 2009
Social Hour = 1800
Dinner = 1845
Everyone: Appetizers
A-G: dessert
H-P: main dish
Q-Z: salad
HAPPY LANDINGS
Doug Young: G.E.F.A. President
Following are a number of e-mail documents that reflect the meeting of the GEFA and EAA boards with the AirFest and the division of the proceeds as the main topic.
Special Board of Directors Meeting Minutes for EAA and GEFA
August 25, 2009 1900 hours @ The Marlow's Hangar
Meeting requested by David Bernasconi, EAA 1175 President via e-mail on 8/22/09
Message: I would like to get the GEFA board members and the EAA board members together for a meeting about the Airfest funds, and also put together an agreement both boards can sign for future Airfest fund savings and splits. If weeknights are good we can meet at Marlow's this Tuesday night at 7pm.
In attendance: GEFA: President Doug Young; Vice President Gary Guilliat; Secretary Maureen Young; Treasurer Karen Smith; Airfest Director Tim O'Brien; Minutes Recorder, Katie Guilliat
EAA: President David Bernasconi; Treasurer Ev Young; Secretary Paul Bevelhymer; Board Member Gordon Mills; Gus Young
GEFA EAA Board Agenda (As given to members in attendance by EAA President David Bernasconi)
2009 Airfest Funds Meeting
1. Read the Airfest 2007 Agreement: See Attached Highlights
A. GEFA Maintains an Airfest 2007 checking account, which GEFA and EAA share equally.
B. Seed money for 2009 will be established $6000.
C. Profits from 2009 Airfest will be shared equally between GEFA and EAA (Chapter 1175)
I.E. $21,356.35 divided by 2 = $10,678.175 And the Airfest Account closed
WITH THAT SAID
2. GEFA and EAA need to draw up an Airfest 2011 agreement and Open an Airfest 2011 Account with seed money. Suggested to be at least $10.000. $5k from GEFA and $5k from EAA.
The meeting was started at 7:00 PM
- The 2007 letter was brought up. It was noted that the letter did not include any signatures and was year specific so it had no relevance. It was also noted that a GEFA officer couldn't make such a decision without a resolution of its membership. No resolution had been found.
- Gary stated that at the August 20, 2009 GEFA general meeting a resolution was passed to keep $20,000. In the Airfest account as 2011 Airfest seed money.
- Dave agrees that seed money needs to stay in the Airfest account but EAA does not have any money in their scholarship account for giving Oshkosh Scholarships this year without funds. Each scholarship costs EAA $1,600. Dave would like to get monies for scholarships out of the Airfest Account.
- Sponsor money is brought up by GEFA as “not profit” but as monies to help promote the Airfest and sponsor Warbirds. Gus questions the Warbird expenses.
- Gary reiterates that GEFA would like to keep the entire Airfest Account intact for 2008 (approximately $28,000)
- Gary says it would be nice to be able to put on the Airfest with out requiring Tim to seek out sponsorship funds before he can begin organizing the event.
- Gordon says that sponsorship money will always be required and does not dispute the need for warbirds as the main draw to the Airfest.
1.
- Tim does not want to take all of the credit for putting on the Airfest but explains that there is a lot of work that is necessary to bring in sponsors and they (the Sponsors) are also an expense in as much as they are given various perks such as dinner/dance tickets, T-Shirts, VIP passes and a special location to enjoy the show and have snacks. There are many more "up-front" expenses that need to be paid before any attendance or profits are seen. Such as advertising, insurance premiums, rentals, T-Shirts etc. He stands by all expenses made for Warbirds and would even like to spend more. He feels that they are the main draw for the people attending. He also appreciates the other activities such as the antique cars and experimental aircraft display and fly-bys. Others agree.
- Gordon thinks that since Airfest has been so well established in the past years that it could go on with others in charge. Gordon feels that you need to get sponsors every year and should. He also feels that we need to spend money every year on scholarships.
- Dave says that he would like to at least get the profit from the pancake breakfast that the EAA put on.
- Gus suggests that EAA and GEFA should each take out $3200. That would allow EAA to give two scholarships to Oshkosh in 2010 and GEFA could give one pilot scholarship.
- Gary says that the resolution stands with GEFA at present and that to change it would require a new resolution.
- Ev says that EAA should just take the net from the pancake breakfast (profit $1500.) and send just one applicant to EAA Oshkosh in 2010.
- Ev's last suggestion stands and is agreed upon pending GEFA member approval.
- The GEFA Officers will take this request to their members at the next general meeting that will be held in September for an approval resolution.
- With the appropriate resolution Karen will issue a check from the Airfest account to EAA for the net profit of the pancake breakfast.
- Dave suggests that a special meeting be held in the near future between the GEFA Board, the EAA Board and an appointed Airfest Committee to establish funding and dispersal of the Airfest fund for Airfest 2010 and any future Airfest.
- Meeting adjourned at approximately 2000 hours.
- Minutes respectfully submitted by Katie Guilliat
THIS IS WHAT I SENT TO DAVE AFTER THE MEETING . . . .
Greetings Dave, I just wanted to send along a personal note about this evenings meeting.
It appears, that, if you wade through all of the emotion, there is a underlying current of people who have parallel interests. Aviation, and our community.
I am so happy that our common goals came to light this evening.
Here's to a brighter more prosperous relationship.
Doug Young. GEFA, President
August 19, 2009
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts!
We had an exceptional Dinner Gathering last month with a grand report on AirFest 2009 by Karen & Tim. This weeks gathering will have the final results of all of your efforts.
Another community involvement last week with the opening day of the Nevada County Fair, the crowd was treated to a fly-over by “our” Ryder Flight group. Four aircraft passed over the opening ceremonies. It is events like these that keeps our presence in the public eye and keeps up the interest of the masses in aviation. Thanks Guys !
I wonder if the AirFest had any immediate impact on applicants for flying lessons?
The weather promises to be great for yet another BBQ gathering at the park near the Airport Offices. So come one and come all for a couple hours of elbow rubbing with your friends and neighbors.
General Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner is at The Airport Park near the office.
August 20, 2009
Social Hour = 1800
Dinner = 1845
Everyone: Appetizers
A-G: dessert
H-P: side dish
Q-Z: salad
HAPPY LANDINGS
Doug Young: G.E.F.A. President
July 14, 2009
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts!
Sorry about the late, (as usual), message but I wanted to have some AirFest news to share.
Tim, and your ever so talented, overworked, committee, there is only one word that says it all…… WOW !
I know that the exact numbers are not in as yet but that has to have been the BEST AirFest yet ! Sorry, can’t stop using the "!."
I am sure that there will be a preliminary report at the Picnic Area for the monthly gathering this Thursday. Please come and show Tim O’Brien just how much we appreciate all of the effort that He and his committee put out. I don’t have the list of all of the volunteers and I don’t want to slight anyone so I will not list anyone here; I will leave that for Tim on Thursday.
I would like to throw my support behind Gerry Davenport’s suggestion that we collect pictures and video of the "USO" dinner and the AirFest for producing a DVD of the event. There is already a submission of video on YouTube and it is very brief.
GERRY's NOTE: Youtube video is horrible and unable to be used, so if you can send the original video file that would make the production so much better.
Enough said for now. I personally extend my heartfelt thanks to ALL of the Committee members and the volunteers that made this happen.
Please gather ‘round for the latest news and catch up on AirFest.
HAPPY LANDINGS
Doug Young: G.E.F.A. President
General Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner is at The Airport Park near the office.
July 16, 2009
Social Hour at 1800 hours (dinner at 1845 hours)
Potluck Participation Theme:
Everyone: Appetizers
A-G: SIDW DISH
H-P: SALAD
Q-Z: DESSERT
June 2008
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts!
Does anyone know what’s going on with the weather?
Don’t know which way to turn.
Carry a sweater or should it be a Jacket?
Decisions, decisions.
One thing for sure though is the Great Show that Tim O’Brien and his crew are putting together.
If you were at the last gathering, Tim provided us with a detailed explanation of all of the “Happenings” and displays that we will have at the AirFest 2009.
Be sure to look at and guide your friends to the AirFest web site at....
http://www.ncairfest.com • • Airfest on YouTube
The success of the Fest IS dependent on participation by ALL of us — that means taking posters to your place of work, church, Doctors office, and wherever else people gather.
And! Please attend at least one of the functions either Friday Night dinner - dance or the show itself on Saturday.
Above all, please thank Tim for his time and his contribution as a sponsor — that truly is above and beyond the call of duty.
THANKS TIM
Don’t forget to wear your GEFA badge at the AirFest — strangers may want to know about the organization.
Please gather ‘round for the latest news and catch up on AirFest.
HAPPY LANDINGS
Doug Young
President
General Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner is at The Airport Park near the office.
June 18, 2009
Social Hour at 1800 hours (dinner at 1845 hours)
Potluck Participation Theme:
Everyone: Appetizers
A-G: SALAD
H-P: DESSERT
Q-Z: SIDE DISH
August 19, 2008
Hello to All GEFA Members
GEFA meeting Thursday August 21
Social at 6:00 PM.
Eat at 6:45 PM.
Greetings Aviation Enthusiasts !
I guess that you all might have noticed that the really great flying weather is finally upon us.
I managed to wrangle a ride with Dave Connell, CFII, from here to the NUT TREE AIRPORT in Vacaville.
Being my Flight Instructor in the past, Dave "made" me fly left seat. It had been eighteen months since I had occupied that seat and it proved to be quite a morning. It is true that it’s like riding a bike !
The real reason for the mission was to bring Maureen home from 24 days with her Dad in the Hospital. All is well now and he just had quite a gathering for his 94th birthday.
In case you missed the last meeting, Tim O’Brien has been MOST successful in lining up quite an number of Sponsors for our 2009 AirFest.
Your V.P., Gary Gilliat has also arranged for a good number of War Birds that will grace us with there presence.
I have been contact with Lt. Col. Dean "Wilbur" Wright, who is the Lead Pilot for the "Patriot Jet Demonstration Team." They were the Headliner last month at the Beal Air Force Base Open House. I understand that they will be giving us a "Fly By" at the AirFest! — He has also agreed to visit us and tell us about his career.
So, things are really coming together for GEFA and AirFest. Now, if the weather cooperates life will be good.
Please gather ‘round for the latest news and catch up on AirFest.
HAPPY LANDINGS
Doug Young
President
General Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner is at The Seaman's Lodge in Nevada City, May 21, at Seaman's Lodge, Pioneer Park, Nevada City
Social Hour at 1800 hours (dinner at 1845 hours)
Potluck Participation Theme:
Everyone: Appetizers
A-G: DESSERT
H-P: MAIN DISH
Q-Z: SALAD
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