Monthly Meeting Minutes – 14 March 2026

Did They Come for Pancakes or Demo Ride?

They were lined up to eat well before serving time as Dave and Wendy were struggling to keep up with the pancake demand on the grill.  At the other end of the hanger, Bob Moreau, Scott Miller, Sid Tucker, and John Theis were similarly fighting to stay ahead on scrambled eggs and sausage.  Sue Cole had the coffee brewing while Paula Houston and Pat Hockett filled the plates.  By the end of the breakfast we ran out of blueberries and eggs.  A recent record 72 breakfasts were sold and about 85 were in attendance. 

Call to Order 

Dick Keyt opened the meeting with a call for guests.

Kelly Mahon is the Director of the Mid America Flight Museum in Mount Pleasant (KOSA).  He invited anyone out to visit the museum on Saturdays.  They have over 60 aircraft.

Preston Schroeder grew up around Pecan Plantation.  Now owns and flies a Thorp T-211 (serial number 2).  It is based at Bourland.

Shad Torgerson has a lot in The Landings and planning to build. Former aerodynamics engineer at Lockheed Martin. Currently own a fly-in fishing and lodge in Manitoba. Flies a Cessna 206 and 180.

Dick also announced that two aircraft owned by Jerome McChristian are for sale: RV-6 and PA-16 Clipper.

Member Votes

Bob Pastusek brought forward some changes to the By-laws that require a vote by the chapter membership.  The three changes are required by the IRS for our non profit status.  One was a name change to make the by-laws consistent with organizations legal name.  The purpose was updated to by consistent with EAA.  The dissolution clause was changed to wording acceptable to the IRS for non profits. Les Staples made a motion for approval.  All members present voted in favor.

At last year’s elections the officers were elected but the Class 2 At Large board members were not.  Dick Keyt recommended that the 8 current Class 2 board members be reelected for two more years.  Bob Pastusek made a motion and Mike Hustak seconded.  All members present voted in favor.

Safety Minute

Dick Keyt and Tom Lewis came forward to discuss a close call on approaches to runway 19 into 0TX1.  Dick was on an IFR approach at 3000′ from the East talking to Approach.  Tom and Bonnie Lewis were approaching from the West VFR and were on the Pecan CTAF.  They were converging on opposing bases.  Tom saw Dick’s aircraft on ADS-B.  Dick had a recent autopilot upgrade and was not getting ADS-B targets on his display.  As they got closer Approach told Dick to climb quickly.  Bonnie subsequently dove.  Dick said he eventually saw lights from the Lewis’ RV but he did not have his lights on.  This occurrence reinforces the need to closely watch for aircraft visually, use landing lights and/or wig wags in the terminal area, and monitor ADS-B for aircraft in the area.

Ed Askins brought up another item.  Ed was approaching 0TX1 at 2500′ MSL and he estimates there was drone 500′ below him (pattern altitude).  The max altitude for a drone is supposed to be 400′ AGL.  Something to watch out for in the area.

Other Reports

Bob Pastusek had several items to report on:

• Swift Fuels – Will have a fuel trailer at the south end of 0TX1 with their 100R unleaded formulation.  They are looking for composite aircraft to test out the fuel.  Please contact Bob if you would like to partake in free fuel and contribute to the testing.
• 0TX1 GPS Approach – Bob said the FAA is now engaged to approve additional pilots for the approach.  Please contact Bob if you are interested.
• September Fly In – Planning for the event continues. One weakness from last year’s event was the sound system.  Bob is looking for someone that has audio expertise to improve the PA system for this year.
• Patti Arthur – Bob introduced Patti as one of three directors in the Ray Foundation who are the source of funds for the Ray Scholarship.  Patti highlighted that the Ray Foundation will exceed $100M in scholarship funds by the end of 2026.  She is very proud of how well the EAA chapters have made use of the funds to get ratings for young pilots.  Patti explained how the Foundation is looking to provide funds for other projects that expand aviation education.  Someone from the audience asked whether a glider program could be a recipient for funds.  Patti said gliders are good value due to their low cost of aircraft and operations.  She encouraged submitting a request.

 

Program: Bristell Aircraft

 

Three representatives of Bristell arrived in two of the company’s aircraft to discuss their aircraft and offer demo rides for potential customers.

Hector Zuniga – VP Training & Operations

Isidro Ruiz – VP Finances

Horacio Rodriguez – Business Development Manager

The founders of the company are Milan and Martin Bristela (father and son) from the Czech Repuplic.  Their first prototype was flown in 2009 and began selling them in 2011.  Since then they have continuously improved the design through a range of engine options, avionics, high wing version, retractable gear, and soon a stretched version with 4 seats.  Although originally designed for the original Light Sport specifications they stand ready with compatibility to the new MOSAIC standards to be released by the FAA this July.  The local representatives are from McAllen, TX and located at KMFE.  Their sales territory includes Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

Following the chapter meeting one of the aircraft was used for demo rides to interested pilots.

Thanks to Bristell for bringing their innovative aircraft to Pecan!

 

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.