4 th Q 1997

RAMP PAGE
FOURTH QUARTER 1997 NEWSLETTER FOR EAA CHAPTER 323 SHERMAN, TEXAS
DECEMBER 1997 VOLUME VI, ISSUE 4
PATRICK WALSH AND THE ZODIAC 601-HD
Patrick built the 601-HD including painting in 450 hours with assistance from his brother Mike. He said it
is very easy to build and he had no problems building it even though all measurements are in metric. No
jigs are needed for construction. Special Avex ”blind” rivets are used that combine strength with ease of
construction. The certified CH-2000 uses the same type rivets. Patrick applied zinc chromate to all the
internal surfaces.
Patrick said his Zodiac cruises about 100 MPH and he lands at about 45 MPH. If you try to land with too
much speed the aircraft simply floats down the runway until it is ready to quit flying. Patrick’s aircraft was
not designed to have flaps because he says you really don’t need them. He said he flies the final with
power because with the power off it’s like having 40 degrees of flaps in. The ailerons cover almost the
entire length of the trailing edge of the wing making for sensitive feel in the bank. The rudder is large with
plenty of control. The elevator has a light feel and is very responsive according to Patrick. The take-offs
require very little elevator pressure. It’s a very docile, stable aircraft with no nasty surprises.
We were unable to fly aircraft due to the inclement weather that day, but I asked Patrick if we could sit in
the cockpit with the canopy closed to get an idea of the visibility and space available. The bubble canopy
latches, unlatches and can be tilted to either side. Patrick unlatched the canopy from the pilot’s side stepped
in to the cockpit, latched the canopy on his left side and then unlatched the copilot’s side. Entry into the
cockpit is not difficult with the first step being directly to the cockpit floor from the wing walk. The
visibility is great in all directions except for straight down due of course to the low-wing design. The view
over the nose is nice with a very low instrument panel height. Headroom was great for Patrick and I with a
few inches to spare. Of course Patrick and I are medium height and small build - a little under the FAA
ideal 170 lb. person. Control layout is a center mounted stick between the seats with separate panelmounted throttles on the left for the pilot and on the right side for the co-pilot. Dual rudder controls are
installed but toe-brakes are only on the pilot’s side. Rudder pedals also control the direct -coupled
steerable nosewheel. One oddity the factory certified aircraft drivers would find amusing would be the
addition of a control knob called “choke”.
A cargo shelf is available directly behind the cockpit slightly below seat-top level. You can put up to 40 lbs.
of cargo here. As much as 30 lbs. of cargo can be carried in the wing lockers in each wing since Patrick did
not opt for the wing fuel tanks. His Zenair has the standard 16 gallon header tank located in front of the
instrument panel. The aircraft is listed at 665 lbs. empty and 1200 lbs. gross.
The Zodiac uses the Rotax 912 a 4 cylinder, 4 cycle , liquid-cooled engine that develops 80 HP. Actually
Patrick says the engine cylinders are air cooled and the cylinder heads are liquid-cooled (I didn’t know
that!). The engine has a 1200 hr TBO. Patrick thinks if he mounts the oil cooler inside the cowling this
might reduce some drag. Presently it is mounted under the cowling just above the nosewheel. The engine
actually runs quite cool even in the hot summer days.
The Rotax in Patrick’s aircraft is fitted with a GSC three blade wooden prop that is ground adjustable. The
three bladed prop gives the aircraft sort of a little Warbird look when looking at it straight on.
Patrick took delivery of the kit on February ‘96. The first flight day was July 1, 1997. During the FAA
mandated 40 hour fly-off requirement Patrick experienced the following problems: oil temp was too high
and oil pressure not reading correctly. The oil temp problem was corrected by moving the cooler into the
airstream just below the cowling. The oil pressure problem turned out to be that the oil sender was not
compatible with the guage.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
1997 has flown off into the sunset never to again be seen. However, it has left us with some great
memories of fun times, accomplishments to be proud of and an incomplete agenda with a lot more to
be done.
1998 will be a most rewarding period for our chapter as we have started receiving contributing funds
from various members toward our first aircraft building project. We can also look forward to the
grand re-opening of Sherman Municipal (SWI) as a civic project; continued Young Eagle flights,
and now the new pilot mentor series. In addition, fun fly-ins, exciting meetings with interesting
speakers and just a lot of the good usual camaraderie that goes along with EAA.
The major building project of the ultra light tandem will be a good opportunity for all of o ur
members to have hands-on participation and to play an important part in making this project a
success. Each member who contributes in $100 segments will receive one share for each $100
contributed. The project is estimated to be somewhere around $10,0 00 in materials, and therefore
we are looking forward to contributions toward this project. Not only will the contributions and the
hands-on experience with building the tandem be rewarding, but think of the fun that will be had as
each and every person can be checked out to fly this airplane. And, what a great way to get some of
the spouses active in taking the controls and maybe even becoming tandem drivers in their own right.
I, therefore, encourage all of you who are members of Chapter 323 to come o n out and join us in '98,
and let's all work toward making this a year to remember.
Looking forward to seeing you at the meetings and the gatherings.
Best personal regards,
Rich
EAA CHAPTER 323 SHERMAN TEXAS 1998 PLANNED ACTIVITIES
by Evans Gauthier
15 Jan 98
Regular meeting Sherman Muni
Speaker: TEXAS DOT Speaker: Bill Gunn "FAR Part 61"
17 Jan 98
FLY OUT Eaker Field (DUA) (Durant Ok) Hosted by Chapter 1146
Transportation provided to Chuck’s Bar-B-Que
14 Feb 98
Sherman Muni (SWI) re-opening City Sponsered OPEN HOUSE and EAT OUT (all day)
Sweetheart Dance 7 PM Young Eagle Flights DFW (10-12 noon and 1-3 PM)
19 Feb 98
Regular meeting Sherman Muni Speakers and Aircraft:
Red Smith: Air Command Gyrocopter
7 Mar 98
FLY-OUT Aerocountry (TX05) Visit Glider School and (McKinney Texas) Projects being
built. Hamburgers and hotdogs.
M.Pollack: Velocity 173 RG and
19 Mar 98
Regular Meeting Sherman Muni
Speaker:Carol Walker from Caddo Mills Glider School
21 Mar 98
FLY-OUT Caddo Mills 7F3 Visit Carol Walkers Glider (Caddo Mills Texas) and the new
manufacturing location for the Red Smith's Air Command Gyrocopter
16 Apr 98
Regular meeting Sherman Muni Speakers: RV Owners "Comparison of RV type
Aircraft Performance"
18 Apr 98
FLY-IN Cedar Mills Marina (Gordonville Texas) Open Invitational for RV type aircraft
owners! Chapter 323 Annual Camp Out At Cedar Mills (Tents and Cabins)
Lynn Waters provides the October 16 program on the Piper Pacer. Lynn describes how he built the
Oshkosh 1996 Classic Champion at our first meeting at the Grayson County Airport Terminal building this
year.
Kerrville 1997 - last big show?
by Evans Gaithier
For the most part the show was much smaller. Only one or two venders and no bargains that I could see.
Spruce/Wag/UniAir were all no shows? No Kit venders except Kitfox. One guy was there with a really
neat little engine that was covered in the EAA magizine.
Fly - In planes were much less. Even the Ultralite activity was small. Having said that I can say that the
weather was perfect and those folk that did fly in did their best to work the visitors and were ONE-ON-ONE
polite and enthusiastic. When you attend with a 9 year old you really get to see what a great bunch the
airplane gang really is. The organizers were working the announcements for young eagle sign up and pilot
briefings heavily over the PA system so I assume that went well.
The young Air Force couple from Witchita Falls that have the Stits fabric outlet were there instructing
again. Rib stitching and glueing. Tom said he would be glad to do a session for one of our meetings.
Having stood in his tent so many times, I feel like I just have to buy my materials from him just out of
loyality!
While there were fewer warbird and aerobatic demonstrations, those that were there were very impressive.
Took pictures of everything I "lusted" over!
I understand there was a "members" meeting Saturday evening to discuss the future of the event. We didn't
attend as Terri was sick in the hotel (food poisoning?) and Billy, my grandson, and I were far too busy
spliting our time between homework, looking at airplanes, and a visit to Camera Safari (drive through wild
life viewing compound.) Regardless of what happens to the show the people of Kerriville can pride
themselves on being great hosts. And I do mean the average people you meet in the town - we have to find
out what they put in the town' drinking water!
Have not spoken to Ann or Mel since we got back. It would be interesting to get some feedback from them
as they were volunteers as usual. Thier viewpoint might be greatly different fom us "civilians" that came
only to enjoy. Saw Mel in his white jump suit answering a million questions from his "fans." (By the way, at
our age is it still a jump suit or should it be a hop suit??) Pointed Mel out to Billy but we didn't get to chat.
The only downer was that the health department made the food venders go to Food Tickets and no cash.
While that sounds healthy (no handling of "dirty" money), it had the impact of forcing the venders to round
up to the next fifty cent price. You had to buy the tickets in $10 sheets but they would buy back the left
overs if you took the time to walk back to them and go through that long line again. I heard that later they
were selling in smaller amounts.
All in all, Billy and I certainly felt that we got our wrist-band' worth of enjoyment at the Fly-In. I was glad
that he got to see the last (?) one at Kerrville. On the way back to North Texas, we stopped at the
Confederate Museum in Burnet and by luck there was a lot of activity going on there. Standing next
to a P-51 when it starts that big engine and along side the flightline when it makes a low level high speed
pass is a special music to the ears. Got to see lotsa airplanes, meet some special people, and do lotsa
homework!
Evans
Mister Mom
Article from the "AVweb's AVflash" 15 DEC 97
" EAA'S SOUTHWEST FLY-IN REPOSITIONS TO ABILENE - Don't file that flight plan to
Kerrville, Texas for next year's EAA Southwest Regional Fly-In. Instead, plot a course to Abilene:
the event has outgrown ERV and will be moving to ABI. "
Well so much for the bid from San Marcos, Sherman/Denison, and Kerrville....Gonna miss the nice people
on the way and in Kerrville. On the bright side, its about 200 air miles from North Dallas - just right for a
nice flight even in a Tri-Pacer or Aeronca Chief. Starting from DFW area it's just a hop. If you fly an RV"anything" you could even drink coffee before the flight! Time to think about a group flight for the EAA
Chapters and type clubs?? Lets talk about planning it out and making both this event and REKLAW as a
gaggle of friendship. - Evans
EAA CHAPTER 323 PROJECT
The President and Members of the Board of Directors of Chapter 323 decided to start collecting funds to
build a chapter project. It was decided that our first project would be the Tandem Air -Bike. The funds
will be collected and put into a special project account so those contributing will be credited with their
percentage of the project. Those with a monetary share in this project will make decisions as to future
projects using project funds. The first funds collected were at the 323 Christmas party on December 18,
1997 where several members donated $1100 to kickoff the project. For information or to make a
contribution call our Treasurer, Ester Hale at 903-546-6665.
SAFETY TIPS by Max Rohe
(Notes form the AOPA Air Safety Foundation)
The way to fly safely at non-towered airports is to REACT:
Radio - Listen to the automated weather observations, if available and the common traffic advisory
frequency (CTAF) for airport information and traffic advisories.
Eyes - Use them! Look for other traffic. This is the top priority when operating in the vicinity of a nontowered airport. Use landing lights so other pilots can see you more easily.
Announce - Report your position and intentions using standard Phraseology.
Courtsey - A little courtsey will smooth out most problems. The “me first” attitude can be dangerous and
rude.
Traffic Pattern - Follow the recommended procedures. Prepare before you fly. Research the necessary
information about your departure and destination airports.
Have a safe flight.
Your Safety Officer.
P.S. Watch for all those new communication towers being built.
YOUNG EAGLE ACTIVITIES
by Ross Richardson
We had a quite successful Young Eagle rally Saturday Nov. 8 at Midlothian/Waxahachie (4T6)
airport. This was in support of Denton EAA Chapter 661. We flew just about 50 Cedar Hill's high
school Air Force ROTC cadets. The weather was perfect and we had a great day. The participants
from our chapter are located below. I also took a friend of mine who is working on his private
license and put him to work. I want to thank the volunteers who h elp support these Young Eagle
events. It is an enjoyment to see the smiles on the children's faces when they get that first ride. Even
if you are not a pilot we can use you. Please consider assisting in one of our future events if you
haven't before. Try it once and I believe you will get hooked. During this event we had flown all the
cadets and there was one four year old that had stayed all day and watched. When it was over the
Colonel asked if someone could take the child on a ride. I volu nteered and it may have been one of
the best rides I have ever given. This child was bright and so good. His mother and aunt sat in the
back. I was letting him hold the controls but it worried his mother and she asked that he stop. I told
him that older people get that way sometimes and he said "I know". He kept telling his mother that
this is going to be the great day and "I love you, Mommy!" It was a great day for me also.
The Chapter 323 participants were: Bobby Brown of Denison, Evans Gauthier a nd Joe Nelsen of
McKinney, Ross Richardson and visitor Gary Rice of Sherman.
CLIFFORD JONES AND DANNY ZIGO
Danny Zigo is the proud owner of a 1963 Piper Colt. He bought the aircraft from Clifford Jones of Proper,
Texas.
VISITORS AND NEW MEMBERS for 4th Quarter
Visitors: Jason Rutledge, Arrone Williams, James Nichols, Bruce Moore, Debbie Upton Kemper, Erin
Kemper, Brenda Crowder, Katie Crowder.
Officers for 1997:
President
Co-Vice President
Co-Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Board of Directors:
Rich Worstell
(open)
Ernie Vazques
Beverley Hill
Ester Hale
903-523-4899
Bobby Brown
Leldon Locke
Joe Smith
903-465-9276
903-892-2439
903-465-3261
903-868-9484
903-892-1364
903-546-6665
Appointees and Volunteers for 1997:
Newsletter Editor
Flight Advisor/Tech Counselor
Technical Counselor
Young Eagles Co-ord.
Safety Officer
Membership Co-ord.
Communications
Airport Liaison
Advertising
October -
Jerry Sparks
Mel Asberry
Ed Beabout
Ross Richardson
Max Rohe
Ross Richardson
Mike Patrick
Randy Livingston
Betty Brown
903-892-8555
972-517-5070
903-546-6047
903-893-4221
903-546-7418
903-893-4221
972-542-8172
903-463-1776
903-465-9276
PREVIOUS CHAPTER PROGRAMS
Lynn Waters program on how to build a show quality Piper Pacer and chili to eat.
November December -
Jerel Harvey on prop balancing with turkey sandwiches to eat.
No formal program, but we had a great Christmas Party with 41 in attendance!
January 15 February 19 March 19 -
UPCOMING PROGRAMS (Subject to Change)
AirCommando Helicopter - Red Smith with pizza to eat!
Velocity 173RG - Mike Pollack with strawberry shortcake to eat!
Caddo Mills glider school - Carol Walker with spaghetti and meat balls to eat!
SHERMAN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT RECONSTRUCTION
The Sherman Airport Board heard a report from the engineering firm supervising the construction on
December 9, 1997 that indicates that the runway reconstruction is about 66% complete with the ramp and
other reconstruction behind schedule. The February 6, 1998 is the formal completion date.
EAA FLYING START PROGRAM
Yours truly was appointed by President Rich Worstell to be Chairman of our Flying Start Program for our
chapter. The Flying Start Program is a grass roots introductory program to get those individuals who have
an interest in learning to fly - but don’t know how or where to start. The EAA has set down strict guidelines
to follow to carry out this program and I agree with it wholeheartedly. I’ll be calling on some of you to help
me in 1998 to make this program a success.
AIRCRAFT PROJECT AND ACQUISITION NEWS
Scott Charlton - Berkut
Pete Darter - Hipp’s Reliant - complete and flying!
Joe Smith - Horizon 2 - moved to hanger at Grayson. 80% complete and 80% to go Joe says!
Evans and Terri Gauthier - Aeronca Chief - flying and Piper TriPacer (don’t ask)
Patrick Walsh - Zodiac - complete with 40 hrs + flown off!
Ester and Leland Hale - Taylorcraft BC-12D restoration - ready to paint when weather warms up.
Rich Worstell - C206 on floats! Sold the Shrike Commander and picked up an A36 Bonanza!
Danny Zigo - purchased Piper Colt going through annual at this time.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Chapter 323 Fly-Ins and Fly-Outs
Jan 17
Feb 14
Mar 7
Mar 21
Apr 4
- Chapter 1146 Durant, OK Eaker Field - Chuck’s BBQ
- Sherman Muni Airport Opening and Sweetheart Dance (may slip due to schedule delays)
- Aero Country with Chapter 168
- Caddo Mills Airport
- Canton, Texas “First Monday”
CLASSIFIED
(EAA Chapter 323 neither endorses nor warrants any item contained in the classified. Therefore no
responsibility is either expressed or implied. Ads are free to Chapter 323 members.)
Common hanger space available this summer on 2000 ft. turf runway with access to
utilities. Located one mile west of Grayson County Airport. Call Patrick Walsh
903-786-8412.
Cleveland wheels 6 X 6.00 (2) in good condition.
days or 892-8555 evenings.
Call Jerry Sparks 903-868-7089
EAA COMMENTS ON PLACEMENT OF BROADCAST TOWERS
The EAA office has protested officially to the FCC the “Preemption of State and Local Zoning and Land Use
Restrictions on Citing, Placement and Construction of Broadcast Station Transmission Facilities”. The proposed
preemption “will allow the construction of obstacles to air navigation ... that could result in the closing of hundreds
if not thousands of airports across the country.”
MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETINGS
Chapter 323 meets the third Thursday of the month at the terminal building located at the Sherman Municipal Airport
starting at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted by the monthly cards sent out just before the meetings. Our meetings the next
quarter are scheduled for January 15, February 19, and Ma rch 19, 1998.
NOTES OF SYMPATHY
Patrick Walsh, a member of 323 lost both of his teenage children Amy, age 17 and Ryan, age 14 in a tragic
auto accident in Pottsboro, Texas on November 9, 1997. Our hearts and prayers go out to Patrick in this
most difficult time.
NOTES OF THANKS
This will be my last newsletter for the chapter. I want to thank all of those who have supported me over the
last six years with your inputs, thoughts and articles for the newsletter. If there is anyone out there who has
access to a computer at home, work or school please come forward and volunteer for this worthwhile
activity. You may call me at 903-868-7089 or 903-892-8555. May God bless each and everyone of you
now and in the new year!
See you at the airport -
Jerry
EAA SHERMAN CHAPTER 323 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND RENEWAL FORM
___ New member ___ Renewal ___ Address change or Correction ___ Ad only _____ I wish to display my business card in the
newsletter for one year. (Please enclose check for $20.00 for each business card you wish displayed).
Name:____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_
Spouse or
friend:_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
__
City:____________________ State:__________ Zip:_____________
Phone:___________________________________ EAA#:______________
Pilot\A&P ratings:__________________________________________________________ ________________
Aircraft or project:__________________________________________________________________________
EAA Offices held or volunteer interest:__________________________________________________________
______________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Comments:_________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
To order a Chapter 323 name tag.
Send your name as you want it on the name tag and a check for $6.00 (includes postage) to:
Jim Putney
1707 W. Lavender Ln.
Arlington, TX 76013-4908 Ph. 817-469-9391
Membership dues for Sherman Chapter 323 are $15.00 year. (You must be a member of the National
EAA and have an EAA membership number before you can join a local chapter. )
Make check payable to: EAA Chapter 323
Mail Application and check to:
Ross Richardson
2115 Turtle Creek
Sherman, TX 75092
To Join National EAA:
800-843-3612
Dues are $40.00 per year and
includes 12 issues of Sport Aviation magazine subscription
Newsletter Editor
EAA Chapter 323
5113 Playa Dr.
Sherman, TX 75090-9703