UPCOMING EVENTS: 
Jan 4 LITE FLYERS MONTHLY MEETING 2PM, PORKCHOP RIDGE, CANNON CITY 
Jan 17 Winsted fly in, chili feed 11am - 1pm 
Jan 24 LITE FLYERS HOLIDAY PARTY, Mankato, MN, (see note below) 
April 13-19 Sun-n-Fun, Lakeland, FL 

LAST MEETING: 
We had a good turnout for the December meeting. There was discussion on the upcoming 
Sport Pilot regulations. The proposal was being held up at DOT. (Just got news today, 
that DOT passed it on to the Budget department Dec. 23. They have 90 days to approve 
it and return it to the FAA.) Pins and certificates from EAA were passed out to the 
club officers for serving in the club. We received a report from Barrie Wutschke on 
his Avid Flyer he purchased, and has been flying. 

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: 
If you haven’t paid your 2004 membership dues, please bring payment to the meeting, 
or mail to Scott Blixt. See note in header above for details. 

HOLIDAY PARTY: 
We started discussion of the party at the last meeting, but got away from it, and 
never got back to it. I didn’t get any input from the members on their wants. In past 
years we went out to a restaurant to eat. This year, I thought I’d try a change. This 
year’s party will be a pot luck meal at my home, 8 miles South of Mankato, Saturday, 
January 24 Will start around 5pm, meal at 6, with more fellowship after the meal. I’ 
ll be making a turkey. Everyone bring a dish to pass, and a guest. Hope we have good 
weather, and a good turnout. See additional page for directions. 
 
LITE FLYERS HOLIDAY PARTY DIRECTIONS 
>From Mankato, go South (approx. 8 miles) on Hwy 22 
Turn left (East) on Blue Earth Co. road 177 
Go 1.5 miles.......red garage, grey house, left side of road. (first house on left 
side of road) 

Mike Schweim  (e-mail: weedhopr@mctcnet.net) for map. 

Feb. 1 Lite Flyers meeting, Porkchop Ridge, Cannon City, MN  2pm 
March 6 Wisconsin Ultralight/Light Aviation Safety Seminar. Wisconsin Rapids, WI 
March 7 Lite Flyers meeting, Cannon City, MN 
April 13-19 Sun-n-Fun, Lakeland, FL 

LAST MEETING: 
We had about 15 members in attendance for the January meeting. Dan Westerhouse is 
coming along well with his Ridge Runner project. He’s planning to be ready for 
covering soon. Tim Bjork is also progressing well with his Kolb project. 

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: 
If you haven’t paid your 2004 membership dues, please bring payment to the meeting, 
or mail to Scott Blixt. See note in header above for details. 

HOLIDAY PARTY: 
We had our annual holiday party at my home Saturday, Feb. 24 with a pot luck meal. 
There were 10 people in attendance who enjoyed good food and fellowship. The guys 
stayed around the kitchen table after the meal and talked “ultralight”, while the 
wives went to the living room to chat. The party broke up around 9pm. 

WI LIGHT AVIATION SAFETY SEMINAR: 
The WI Ultralight and Light Aviation Advisory Council and WI DOT are once again 
sponsoring thier Ultralight and Light Aviation Safety Seminar. It will be held 
Saturday, March 6 at the Hotel Mead & Convention Center 451 Grand Ave., Wisconsin 
Rapids, WI. 1(800)843-6323 for hotel reservations. Discounts available by 
pre-registering and mentioning WULAC Safety Seminar. 
Free admission. Door prizes and raffle items. Registration begins at 8am, Seminar 
funs from 9am till 4pm. Topics include: 
Airport etiquitte for all aircraft, fixed wing, flex wing, and powered parachutes 
alike, 
Insurance for the “Little Guy” A look at USUA’s new ultralight insurance program. 
ABC’s of Preventive Maintenance for all types of aircraft. 
Sport Pilot - Light Sport Aircraft explained with Q&A. 
Rotax engines and Bing carbs. 
Powered parachute clinic - Chute preflight and maintenance. 

visit http://www.geocities.com/bkshgee@sbcglobal.net/wulac.html or contact Bart 
Gaffney at 
bkshgee@sbcglobal.net for for information. 

March 6 Wisconsin Ultralight/Light Aviation Safety Seminar. Wisconsin Rapids, WI 
March 7 Lite Flyers meeting, Cannon City, MN 
March 27 MN Flight Safety Seminar, Radisson South Hotel, Bloomington, MN 8:30-noon. 
April 13-19 Sun-n-Fun, Lakeland, FL 
July 27-Aug 2 Airventure 2004, Oshkosh, WI 
August 27-29 Owatonna Skyfest, Owatonna, MN airport. 

LAST MEETING: 
Due to snow and freezing rain, I wasn’t able to attend the last meeting. I haven’t 
heard anything about how the last meeting went. 

FLIGHT SAFETY SEMINAR: 
Saturday, March 27 is the 3rd annual Flight Safety Seminar. 8:30 till noon, Radisson 
South, Bloomington, MN. Free admission. For more info, go to www.sportaerobatics.com 
or contact Mike Wiskus at 612-812-3873.

LAST MEETING: 
We had a good turnout for last month’s meeting. About a dozen members showed up, and 
a couple visitors. Most of the time was spent admiring Dan Westerhouse’s Ridge 
Runner. It’s really looking good, almost ready for covering. 

FOR SALE: 
2 CGS Hawk ultralights. 1 single seat, 1 2 seat. Contact Don Nechville for more info. 
(507)451-3765   e-mail: Nechville@myclearwave.net  

Note: 2 pics of Dan's Ridge Runner. 
Fuselage: 
 
Wings: 
 

July 27-Aug 2 Airventure 2004, Oshkosh, WI 
August 27-29 Owatonna Skyfest, Owatonna, MN airport 

LAST MEETING: 

We had about a dozen members in attendance for the last meeting. Dan Westerhouse is 
well on his way with his Ridge Runner. He had 1 wing totally covered and rib 
stitched. He was in the process of installing the finishing tapes over the rib 
stitching at the meeting. He’s doing superb work on the plane. Everyone should attend 
the meetings and see the progress on his plane, and give Dan your support. If he 
keeps up his rate of progress, the plane should be flying before the end of summer. 

Next Meeting: 

What do you members want to do about the July meeting? The normal meeting date would 
be July 4. Many members could be on vacation for the holiday. Do we want to hold the 
meeting as scheduled for those that can make it, hold the meeting on a different 
date, or not have a July meeting? Think about it, and if you have any feelings on the 
matter, make your thoughts known. 

OPERATION “PROTECT OUR PLANES”: 

I received an e-mail from EAA’s Protect Our Planes committee, looking for volunteers. 
The following is the e-mail I received from Brenda Anderson, EAA Chapter 
Administrator. 
People from around the world come to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for primarily one 
purpose: to look at thousands of aircraft that converge on Wittman Regional Airport. 
To protect these airplanes - and spectators - the POP (Protect Our Planes) Team 
monitors flight line activities to make sure visitors abide by the time-tested 
Oshkosh rules: no smoking except in designated areas, and no food or drink within 10 
feet of any airplane. 

POP now seeks volunteers to join its team from Monday, July 26th (the day before the 
convention) through Sunday, August 1st. POP patrollers must be at least 14 (ages 
14-17 need a parent/guardian with them) and enthusiastic. No experience is 
necessary - all you need is a smile - and there's a place for people of all fitness 
levels. It's a great way for families and/or groups to enjoy EAA AirVenture "from the 
inside." If you're interested in volunteering, e-mail 
"mailto:ProtectOurPlanes@yahoo.com" or visit 
"http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProtectOurPlanes". 
It isn’t in the e-mail, but the information on the website says if you volunteer 5 
days (4 hrs/day), and at least 1 day is Saturday or Sunday, you’ll get free admission 
for the days you volunteer. 
 
 

FOR SALE: 
2 CGS Hawk ultralights. 1 single seat, 1 2 seat. Contact Don Nechville for more info. 
(507)451-3765   e-mail: Nechville@myclearwave.net

July 11 Lite Flyers meeting, 2pm. Porkchop Ridge Farm, Cannon City, MN CHANGE FROM  NORMAL DATE DUE TO HOLIDAY 
July 27-Aug 2 Airventure 2004, Oshkosh, WI 
August 27-29 Owatonna Skyfest, Owatonna, MN airport 
August 29 Cherry Grove Fly In/Drive In picnic, Wannamingo, MN 

LAST MEETING: 

We had about 10 members in attendance for the last meeting. We had a visitor from Red Wing fly in with his SkyRaider ultralight. It was a nice looking plane, powered by a Rotax 503, if I remember right. 
Dan Westerhouse has taken his Ridge Runner home for completion. He’s still planning to have it flying by the end of summer. 

JULY MEETING: 

Due to the normal meeting date falling on a holiday this year, we will meet at 2pm, Sunday July 11 at Porkchop Ridge Farm. Remaining months will be back to the first Sunday each month. 

OSHKOSH: 

Airventure 2004 is approaching fast in Oshkosh, WI. Hope to see many of you there, and the weather is good and comfortable.  I’m planning to attend from July 27 - 31 or Aug 1. 

FLIGHT REPORT: 

I’ve had reports that some members have been flying regularly. Scott Blixt has been flying a lot. I also heard Craig Skunberg has been flying his Mariner Scout this summer. Hope to see it at a meeting soon!  The Father’s day fly in at Stanton was represented by our club by Scott blixt, Craig Skunberg, and Grant Rappe. I finally got my Weedhopper in the air for the first time yesterday. Weekend weather hasn’t been Weedhopper compatible this year. Mark Scheurer and I had planned to do some local flying together last weekend, but the strip I fly out of hadn’t been mowed enough to get the Hopper airborne. I recently made my Hopper more neighborly by the addition of a new exhaust system. 
ROTAX TRADE IN PROGRAM: 

Authorized Rotax service centers are offering a trade in program for 503 aircraft engines thru December 20,2004. Owners can trade in their engines regardless of age for a new Rotax 503, including carb, fuel pump, and exhaust. Must return a complete 503 aircraft with valid serial number existing in the Rotax aviation database. After initial qualification, the owner must send at their expense the complete engine, with data plate, ignition system, exhaust, carb, fuel pump, and recoil starter to the service center. In exchange, the owner can purchase a new Rotax 503 for $2500, plus shipping and handling. The authorized service centers are CPS, Lockwood Aviation, South Mississippi Light Aircraft, and LEAF. 

SPORT PILOT UPDATE: 

The Sport Pilot rule was returned to the Office of management and Budget (OMB) by the FAA on June 3, 2004. FAA withdrew the rule from OMB in March to address questions regarding the economic cost/benefits raised during the OMB review. Because it was withdrawn from OMB by the FAA, it is not subject to the previous 90 day timeframe for review. OMB has the option to review it as quickly as they see fit. When they finally approve the rule, it will go back to FAA for publication in the Federal Register. There will then be a period of time before the rule goes into effect. FAA reports that high level government officials are handling the Sport Pilot/Light-Sport Aircraft proposal as top priority and that release is coming. 

FOR SALE/WANTED: 

FOR SALE: 2  CGS Hawk ultralights.  1 single seat, 1  2 seat. Contact Don Nechville for more info. (507)451-3765  e-mail: Nechville@myclearwave.net . 

WANTED: Used Rotax 503 aircraft engine to be traded in. Contact Tim Bjork. (507)843-4880 e-mail: timbjork@msn.com 

August 1 Lite Flyers membership meeting, 2pm, Porkchop Ridge Farm, Cannon City, MN 
July 27-Aug 2 Airventure 2004, Oshkosh, WI 
August 27-29 Owatonna Skyfest, Owatonna, MN airport 
August 29 Cherry Grove Fly In/Drive In picnic, Wannamingo, MN (see attached flyer and  website at: www.theflyin.com 
Sept. 5 Lite Flyers meeting 
Sept. 17-19 Faribault Balloon Rally&Airfest. Faribault, MN airport http://1rl.com/balloonrally 
Sept. 18 Glencoe UL Chapter Brat-n-corn feed/fly in 

LAST MEETING: (by Scott Blixt) 
We had a real good turnout for our meeting at Mark Bauers farm in 
Cannon City. 7 ULs flew into the meeting including 1 PPC. The PPC was a 
new fellow from the Elko/New Market area and he flew all the way to the 
meeting and back to his home field. Les Aklund flew in from the Albert 
Lea area and was the furthest traveled. It was a great day for flying. 
We expected to see some of the city guys but no one showed from the 
north. Perhaps next month? Weather permitting, I for one will be flying 
up to the MUA meeting at Maple Plain next Sat. I have passed the word 
so maby some others will show up also. OshGosh is the next big event 
coming up in 2 short weeks. Campers are already being allowed in to the 
camp grounds. It was a perfect day for flying so the meeting broke up 
early. I was able to fly for several more hours before the day ended. A 
guy has to make up for the lost time with the rainy/windy weather we 
have had this spring. 
Fly Safe 
Scott Blixt 

OSHKOSH: 

Airventure 2004 is approaching fast in Oshkosh, WI. Hope to see many of you there, and the weather is good and comfortable.  I’m planning to attend from July 25 - Aug. 1. 

SPORT PILOT UPDATE: 

FAA released the new Sport Pilot rules, and published them in the Federal Register. The new rules go into effect on Sept 1, 2004. The FAA’s ultralight instructor exemptions will continue till 2008. A quick summary of the new rules is: 
1 or 2 seats; Max gross weight of 1320 lbs.for landplanes, 1430 lbs for seaplanes; Max level flight speed 120 kts(138 mph); Max stall speed 45 kts (52mph); no turbine, rocket, or multi engines; no inflight adjustable props (autofeathering props OK for powered gliders); No retractable landing gear, except for gliders.(amphibious seaplanes can have repositionable landing gear if it can not be operated in flight-no flying from home to the lake, and back home) Drivers license can be used in place of an FAA medical certificate, if you’ve never had a medical certificate that was revoked, suspended, or you didn’t pass the physical. 
Training and licensing requirements are: 20 hrs total flight time, 15 hrs flight training, 5 hrs solo, 2 hrs dual cross country, 1 solo cross country, 3 hrs prep for practical test. You also need to get your instructor’s recommendation, stating you’re ready for your practical test. Pass a written test, Pass a flight test. The flight test can be taken in a single seat or 2 seat light sport aircraft. If single seat, the test will be watched from the ground, and the Sport Pilot’s license will be restricted to single seat only.Part 103 legal ultralights also fit the description of light sport aircraft, so may be used for the practical test if desired. I haven’t read the whole rule....For those with internet access, it’s at: "http://www.faa.gov/avr/arm/rulemaking/SportPilotRule7_19.doc" 

FOR SALE/WANTED: 

FOR SALE: 2  CGS Hawk ultralights.  1 single seat, 1  2 seat. Contact Don Nechville for more info. (507)451-3765  e-mail: Nechville@myclearwave.net . 

WANTED: Used Rotax 503 aircraft engine to be traded in. Contact Tim Bjork. (507)843-4880 e-mail: timbjork@msn.com 

LAST MEETING: 
I didn’t make it to the last meeting, as I was still at Oshkosh, Airventure 04. The following are 2 conflicting reports on the last meeting. President’s report... 

EAA CHAPTER 66 August meeting 
Well, I would have to say it was a meeting to end all meetings. We had 37 planes fly in!!!!! It was a perfect day for flying. Just when you think you've seen everything, a float plane circled the strip a few times and finally put his gear down and got it in on our little patch. We haven't seen this plane before. All greeted him and toured his unique bird and upon further inspection saw that he had a keg tap stuck in one of his floats!!! Yep, you never would have guessed it; he had cold beer in there! So we all convinced him he would have to lose some weight or never get off in that hot weather. So Susie rounded up some cups and we all helped him lighten up his bird. Still trying to figure out how he kept the beer cold. We even talked Sue into a couple. After a few beers everybody thought it would be nice if we did a fundraiser for the club being it was such a fun meeting. Even Sue got into the club spirit and came up with a cool fundraiser. Boy, that was good beer! Well all I can say is that if you weren't here, too bad! Anyway, to cut a long story short, by the time the lap dancing was over the boys were penniless but they all seemed happy. So they all flew off, some not so fancy of takeoffs. No one got into the heavy limbs of the trees at the end of the runway, just minor leaf damage!! Well, that's all for now, it'll be interesting to see if the August meeting can ever be topped. P.S. Agenda for the next meeting: Figure out what to do with the $13,167 Sue raised for the club!!!! Until we meet again:):) Mark Bauer 
 
 

I got to Bauer’s late on Sunday. But it was a bust for a meeting with only 2 people showing up. John Klein and Jewell. So I don’t think any report is needed. They were gone before I arrived. Mark and I talked about OSH a bit. Scott Blixt A Minnesota MadMan 

OSHKOSH: 

I attended Airventure 04 for a full week this year. I rode along with 3 others from the Glencoe EAA UL Chapter. We left on Sunday morning, July 25 in Karl Miller’s motorhome. We arrived at the UL campground around 3pm. Many of us from the Glencoe group volunteered in the UL area at Oshkosh. We attended the volunteer’s meeting in the barn Sunday evening, and helped with various “before the show” chores on Monday. I worked in the fuel shed on the flightline Monday, and worked as a gate guard, and camera person escort thru out the week in the mornings. I had the rest of the day to do as I pleased. There wasn’t a lot new in the ultralight area this year. There were a couple new designs, but nothing spectacular. We left Oskhosh around noon on Sunday August 1. I arrived back home around 7pm. It was an enjoyable week, and saw many familiar faces there. 

CHERRY GROVE FLYIN: 
Sunday, August 29 was the 12th annual “End Of Summer Fly-In/Drive-In Picnic” held at Jewell Ness’s Cherry Grove Central Airpark, South of Wanamingo, MN. Once again, it was a fun filled day, and the rain held off till most of the people had gone home. The wind was a little too strong for my Weedhopper, but I got a short flight in before going home. It turned out the wind hadn’t let up as much as it looked on the ground. It was a handful, but I made it back safe and sound. (unlike the “creamed corn Cessna”.) There was a good turnout of planes and people, although there didn’t seem to be as many planes as in past years, due to heavy fog that held on in many areas till almost noon. If you didn’t attend, you missed a really good fly in.There were several antique cars, gas engines, 2 or 3 bands, aircraft from ultralights to antiques, to GA, and a  powered hang glider. Also many friendly people who enjoy aircraft. Food was provided by a lunch wagon serving burgers, fries, turkey legs, etc. Thanks much Jewell for putting on another great fly in! 

FOR SALE/WANTED: 

FOR SALE: 2  CGS Hawk ultralights.  1 single seat, 1  2 seat. Contact Don Nechville for more info. (507)451-3765  e-mail: Nechville@myclearwave.net . 

WANTED: Used Rotax 503 aircraft engine to be traded in. Contact Tim Bjork. (507)843-4880 e-mail: timbjork@msn.com 

FARIBAULT BALLOON RALLY AND AIRFEST: 

It’s almost time for the 20th annual Balloon Rally and Airfest. It’s held at the Faribault airport, Friday, September 17 thru Sunday September 19. Once again, I’ll be helping at the event in the ultralight display area. Friday morning, I’ll be talking to the Faribault school 6th graders about ultralights. There will be a fly in pancake breakfast Saturday and Sunday morning, free for pilot’s that fly in. Balloon launches are planned for Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday mornings, and Saturday evening. During the day, there will be antique, general aviation, gliders, and ultralights flying and static displays. Come out for the event and meet the people,and bring your planes. 
Schedule: 
                        Friday, Sept. 17 
                        6:30am – Pilot Briefing 
                        7:00am – Media Flight Balloon Launch, weather pending. 
                        8:45am – 11:30am “Youth in Aviation”, Sponsored by Hy-Vee Food Stores 
                                       Grade 6 Visits the Airport 12:15pm – 1:30pm Pilots visit Elementary Schools 
                        8:30  am – 7:30pm Static display, vintage aircraft & Ultralights 
                                       Aircraft traffic - landing and taking off all day. 
                        3:00pm – 9:00pm Hot Air Balloon Pilot registration 
                        5:00pm – Mandatory Pilot Briefing/Weather briefing 
                        5:00pm – Faribault Chamber of Commerce After Hours ( Yellow Hanger ) 
                        5:30pm – Launch, Hot Air Balloons 
                        7:30pm – Static Display-Night Glow, Hot Air Balloons 
                        7:00pm – 9:00pm Propane refueling ( Harly Davison - parking lot. ) 
                        7:00pm – 10:00pm Social Gathering ( Catered By The Pepper Mill ) 
                        9:00pm – Mandatory Pilot Briefing 
                        Saturday, Sept. 18 
                        6:30am – Mandatory Pilot Briefing/Weather briefing 
                        7:00am – Launch, Hot Air Balloons 
                        7:00am – Noon Pancake Breakfast ( Pilots Association ) 
                        8:00am – 10:00am Propane refueling ( Harly Davison - parking lot. ) 
                        7:00am – 7:30pm Display and flights of vintage aircraft, gliders, ultra-lite aircraft. 
                        2:00pm – Mike Wiskus & Friends perform aerial stunts. Airport closed to all air traffic!!!!! 
                        5:00pm – Mandatory Pilot Briefing/Weather briefing 
                        5:30pm – Launch, Hot Air Balloons 
                        7:30pm – Static Display-Nite Glow, Hot Air Balloons 
                        7:00pm – 9:00pm Propane refueling ( Harly Davison - parking lot. ) 
                        Sunday, Sept. 19 
                        6:30am – Mandatory Pilot Briefing/Weather briefing 
                        7:00am –  Launch, Hot Air Balloons 
                        7:00am – Noon Pancake Breakfast ( Pilots Association ) 
                        7:30am – 9:30am Propane refueling ( Harly Davison - parking lot. ) 
                        10:00am – Award’s Breakfast, American Legion 
                                    ( MC - Faribault's Mayor Ackman ) 
                                    ( Co-MC Kymn Anderson - Chamber Director ) 7:00am – 2:00pm Display 

      vintage aircraft, glider ultra-lite aircraft.

Oct. 3 Lite Flyers membership meeting 2pm, Porkchop Ridge 

LAST MEETING: 

We had a good turnout for the September meeting, with about a dozen members in attendance. We spent the afternoon discussing members visits to Oshkosh, and the Cherry Grove fly in the previous weekend. The meeting broke up around 4:30 when thunderstorms rolled thru the area. 

BALLOON RALLY: 

September 17 - 19 was the 20th annual Faribault Balloon Rally and Airfest at the Faribault airport. Once again, I attended from early Friday morning thru Sunday noon. I gave talks to the Faribault school’s 6th graders. The school visits went well, with around 200 students in attendance, in 2 groups. There were 5 stations set up for the talks, with a different aircraft type at each station. They had a helicopter, Stearman biplane, glider, balloon, and my Weedhopper ultralight. This year’s event was plagued with gusting high winds most of the time, so there wasn’t much flying this year. The balloons were able to make only 2 of their scheduled 5 flights. I helped crew for one of the balloon teams Friday evening, and got to go along in the balloon. It was a really enjoyable flight that lasted about 40 minutes. It’s a lot more work than getting an ultralight in the air and back home again though. Saturday morning I was able to get in a short flight in my Weedhopper before the winds came up. I checked the weather forcast before helping another balloon crew and found winds were forcast to be at 15 kts by 9am.  Shortly after the last balloon went up, and all crew vehicles were clear of the runway, I took to the air in my mighty Hopper. Winds at that time were around 5 kts. After about a 20 minute flight around the area, it started getting pretty bumpy for the Hopper, so I set it down for a feather-light landing, and headed for the tiedown for the day. As soon as I shut it down, I was surrounded by a crowd of onlookers with millions of questions about ultralights and my plane. About 1/2 hr later, I was able to get some breakfast. I had e-mailed EAA and ASC asking for ultralight info and magazine samples to give out to interrested people at the rally. EAA sent a package with 6 copies of the latest Sport Pilot Magazine, and about 100 EAA membership applications.  ASC made a really generous donation of about 50 copies of Aero Connections Magazine, 10 ultralight pilot log books, a handful of ASC stickers, an ASC “fixed wing” and “training wing” banner, several booklets telling what it takes to be an ultralight instructor, and 3 certificates for a 1 year membership to ASC.  I talked to each ultralight pilot that had a plane there over the weekend, and got the names of a couple I didn’t get a chance to meet personally. (7 ultralights) All who brought their ultralight to the event were entered into a drawing for the certificates. Pilot ’s who brought their aircraft were Del Voegele with his Fisher 404 from Moristown, Scott Blixt with his trike from Montgomery, Brian Martig with his Mariner from Glenwood City,Mark Ellis with his Kolb Firestar from Lakeville, Craig Skunberg with his Mariner, and his SR-1 Hornet from Elko, Gerald Farell with his motorized hang glider from Rochester, and Greg Van Erem with his Quicksilver GT400 from Stillwater. The winners were Craig Skunberg, Gerald Farell, and Greg Van Erem.  If anybody wants an ultralight pilot’s logbook, I still have a bunch.  Even with the windy weather, I still had an enjoyable weekend, and hopefully the club will gain some new members because of it. 

SPORT PILOT INFO UPDATE: 

I got the following info from Tim Bjork....thanks Tim 
SPORT PILOT PTS, KNOWLEDGE TEST SET FOR OCTOBER RELEASE 
The FAA plans to issue practical test standards for the new sport pilot certificate early next month, with a knowledge test to be issued October 20. The agency outlined its timetable at a meeting with industry officials in Oklahoma City in which the two sides worked on testing standards and other details that are needed to implement the Sport Pilot and Light-Sport Aircraft regulations. During the meeting, AOPA advocated for test standards that will ensure sport pilots have the knowledge to operate safely within the current airspace and airport system. The FAA agreed. The association also reviewed the knowledge test questions for sport pilots, many of which will be taken from the existing private pilot questions. The ultralight community will provide its test questions to the FAA for possible inclusion in the sport pilot knowledge test. The FAA will begin accepting sport pilot student applications on November 15 using a new FAA Form 8710-11. 

 WEATHER INFO AVAILABLE: 

For those who don’t know about this service, there’s a free service that lets you get weather info from almost any airport for free. It’s called Any AWOS. It’s paid for by advertisers who advertise on the service (you hear a commercial before the weather 
report) 1-877-ANY-AWOS (877-269-2967) After connecting, you enter the airport identifier for the airport you want. The service then calls that AWOS number, and you can hear the AWOS info of that location.  It connects to any automated weather reporting station (AWOS, ASOS, and ATIS) in the continental US. 

Nov. 7 Lite Flyers membership meeting 2pm, Porkchop Ridge 

LAST MEETING: 

We had a good turnout for the September meeting, with ten members in attendance. We had pretty strong winds, but Barrie Wutschke braved the winds and flew in with his Avid Flyer. He opened the cowl so we could all admire the work he did organizing the wiring and plumbing for his engine installation. 

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES NEEDED! 

Scott Blixt e-mailed me stating that EAA requires membership info by the end of December. His computer crashed earlier this summer when lightning hit in the area and he lost all membership data. EAA requires names, EAA number, and expiration dates of all club members. Please get your information to Scott ASAP so he doesn’t have to rush at the end of the year. Would also be a good time to renew your membership for 2005. 

BE CAREFUL UP THERE! 

Here’s a report by Scott Blixt. It was reported in the newspaper also. Glad to hear Dan’s OK! 

 Between my rotating shift work and the weather, I finally was able to 
       get up for a flight yesterday. Temp was about 39 F and the ceilings 
       were low. But up I went anyhow. I was surprised that it was bumpy air 
       considering we havent had any sun in what seems like weeks. I didnt go 
       far, just a cruise around the area. I stopped at Dan Westerhouses strip 
       near Kikenney, MN. He had hit a powerline a couple of weeks ago and I 
       wanted to see how he was and hear his side of the story. 

       Seems he was out flying low over some bean fields when he flew between 
       2 trees along a fence line. What he didnt see was the powerline that 
       was strung along the fenceline. The lines hit his strut in front of him 
       and rode up until it grabbed his engine mount flipping him upside down. 
       His full seatbelt harness kept him from leaving the aircraft. And the 
       fact that he landed on the ground stradling a ditch. He was able to 
       walk away with only damage to his ego. The plane is junk. He flew an 
       old Starflight. The powerline was no longer being used so it was not 
       energized. 

       Just a reminder about flying low folks, watch out for those powerlines. 
       They dont always follow fencelines. And they usually are energized. 
       7200-8000 volts is typical around the cities. 
       Its a crappy way to die. Please be careful 

LAST MEETING: 
We had a good turnout for the November meeting, There were about a dozen members in attendance. There was some talk about the new Sport Pilot regulations. Barrie Wutschke has sold his Avid Flyer, and is now looking for a Luscombe to purchase. 

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES STILL NEEDED! 
Scott Blixt needs membership info on all members by the end of December. His computer crashed earlier this summer when lightning hit in the area and he lost all membership data. EAA requires names, EAA number, and expiration dates of all club members. Please get your information to Scott ASAP so he doesn’t have to rush at the end of the year. Several gave the info at the last meeting, but more need to give that info. Would also be a good time to renew your membership for 2005. 

HOLIDAY PARTY: 
With the holiday season approaching, it’s time to think about our annual holiday get together. In past years, we’ve met at a restaurant in Faribault for supper and fellowship. Last year we enjoyed a pot luck supper at my home near Mankato. It’s now time to give your opinions on when and where to have this year’s party. It’s your club, so you should be involved in the decision making and planning! I’m willing to have a pot luck supper at my home again if nobody has other ideas. Maybe we could watch an aviation related movie after the meal? (I have “Fly Away Home“, and “Those Magnificent Men And Their Flying Machines” on DVD.)