Saturday Theme: We Need More Volunteers!
The weather was not conducive to flying in but we had a nice crowd of cars and golf carts. A couple from Pecan who saw the sign on the road, with no previous aviation background, enjoyed the meal and said they would be back. The breakfast crew was working like a well oiled machine cranking out pancakes, sausage, and eggs at both ends of the hanger. A respectable 55 breakfasts were sold and about 75 were in attendance. Everyone got to witness the new ornamentation on the hanger door, an F-100 Steel Profile donated by Jim Crain’s family. Next step is to get an EAA 983 logo above it.
Call to Order
Dick Keyt opened the meeting with recognition for the breakfast crew and summoned them to the front for all to appreciate; Bob Moreau, Sue Cole, Sandy Stultz, Paula Houston, Mike Parrish, Sid Tucker, Keith Brown, John Theis, Lori Lagergren, and first timer Sharon Marshall (sorry if I missed anyone).
Dick made a call for guests in attendance. Dave Cole introduced another “round engine” Cessna friend. John Holmes, previously from Grapevine, lives in Glen Rose and owns a 190. Had one of the longest flying careers at AA with 39 years and former check airman.
Ray Lewis introduced Dave Smith, a long time woodworker, who they hope can help out with the glider project. Dave had an interesting career progression that included building houses and teaching in college.
Joni Schultz introduced Ben and his son Zeke. Zeke is a senior at Cleburne High School who is interested in getting his pilot’s license. He is planning to attend Texas A&M or UTA.
Larry Ellis is a retired Ranch Manager from Wyoming that now lives in Tolar.
Dick Stultz introduced his “boss” Geoff Marshall. He flew C-141s in the Air Force and was a previous contracting officer at Plant 42 in Palmdale. He got to know Dick in health care administration. His wife Sharon jumped in to help on the breakfast serving line.
Youth Programs
Bruce McJunkin reported that candidates for the Ray Scholarship have until the end of May to submit their application. This will be the 3rd Ray Aviation scholar award and provides $12K toward a PPL. The review committee will be looking for a student who has been active in the chapter.
Their are two upcoming Young Eagles events; April 18th and May 16th. They are always in need of pilots. Any prospective pilot will need to complete youth protection training and have a background check through EAA.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Dick mentioned several initiatives the Board has discussed to increase the vitality of the chapter.
- Chapter Newsletter – This was dropped in the past due to lack of support. Just like any good publication it requires both an editor and article authors.
- Movie Nights – During the milder weather months setup a screen and projection of aviation themed movies (Jerry McMillan signed up to lead but he will need help)
- PPOA “Columns” Article – This was another thing dropped in the past but provides good visibility for the airpark and awareness of chapter activities.
- EAA Learn to Fly – This is promoted by EAA National and held annually in May (11-18th) to encourage adults to get their pilot’s license and/or consider aviation as a career (Bruce and Geneva McJunkin signed up to lead but he will need help)
Other Reports
- Bob Pastusek reported that the fuel trailer with 100R has been delayed until the end of April.
- Bob P is looking for youth around Pecan and Granbury to assist with parking cars and aircraft. Please see Bob if you know of anyone interested.
- Bob P reported 0TX1 and 66TE will be changing frequencies to one that is less busy. This new frequency will also be used to turn on the runway lights.
- Pat Hoyt was summoned to the front to recognize his second first flight in a Zenith 750 Cruzer. He recognized Don Christiansen for helping him with an in flight radio check. The full article is located at https://eaa983.org/2026/03/31/pat-hoyts-first-flight/
- It was announced that Granbury Regional Airport will be closing for runway and taxiway maintenance toward the end of April (At press time April 20 – May 5th)
- Sam Butler reported that he has been rigging flaps and ailerons on his S-21 which is more difficult than his previous RV builds. He is also working on wiring. Anytime he calls Don Christiansen with a question the first response is “Have you looked at the plans???”
- Greg Walker reported further progress on his Christavia MK1 since completing his hanger. He finished covering his fuselage and moved it to his hanger at MO06. He will tackle covering wings next at his Aledo house. He also secured a used O-235 instead of a Subaru EA81.
Program: A Tiger’s Tale
Dick Keyt introduced the speaker, Bob Moreau – a man of many talents. A knowledgeable engineer, skilled test pilot, prolific A&P mechanic, voracious reader (3200 books), and talented aviation artist (checkout the walls of his hanger).
Bob started off discussing his long desire to own a warbird. Not ready to shell out $4M for a Mustang Bob set his sights on something more unique. He got to know Sid Tucker who had a flying DH82 Tiger Moth with over 500 hours that suffered a “aeronautical boo boo” and was in need of restoration. The journey began….
Bob discussed the history of DeHavilland aircraft and how they had an affinity for Moths. The Gipsy Moth as one of the other most recognizable names. But there were many others; Fox Moth, Leopard Moth, Hornet Moth, and Puss Moth!
Bob went through the history of this serial number.
• BUILT AT HATFIELD AERODROME, ENGLAND
• DELIVERED TO THE RAF AUGUST 24, 1939
• ASSIGNED RAF SERIAL NUMBER N-9391
• 1940-1945 #4 EFTS, RAF BROUGH, ENGLAND
• 1946 PASSED ON TO THE ROYAL NETHERLANDS AIR FORCE
• 1956 RELEASED TO THE DUTCH CIVIL REGISTER
• 1971 CAME TO THE U.S.
• 1979 BOUGHT BY SID AND KAREN TUCKER AS A PROJECT
• 1980 FIRST FLIGHT BY SID – 500+ HOURS
• 1999 SUFFERED AN “AERONAUTICAL BOO-BOO”
• 2000 REBUILD PROJECT MOVED TO PECAN
• 2019 BOUGHT BY BOB MOREAU – AND THE JOURNEY BEGINS…
The original Tiger Moth has no brakes or tailwheel. In that era these aircraft operated in grass fields that were long and wide. For modern flying Bob is equipping it with Matco brakes and a tailwheel. The engine is the original 1927 Gipsy Major Mk 1 engine but will be equipped with a starter. Bob did extensive research on period correct color schemes and settled on Pre War 1938 Munich Crisis Camouflage Scheme. He will first apply a white coat of Poly Tone and follow it with Semi-Gloss Aerothane.
Bob even got his grandkids in involved in the project.
When will it fly? Bob’s response “In Geologic Time – Really Soon!”
Feel free to contact Bob if you missed and would like a copy of his full pitch including many progress pictures.
As always, Bob makes another fantastic presentation!
VMC/IMC Club
Our VMC/IMC club met right after the main EAA meeting. Dick Keyt and Tom Woodward led the discussion of VFR and IFR scenarios.
Thanks to all who stayed to store the tables and chairs and help put the airplanes back in the hangar.
