Saturday Theme: Missing Chapter Tables and Chairs
It was a slow trickle of attendees early but picked up toward the end of breakfast. Our outstanding early morning crew were cranking out pancakes, sausage, and eggs at both ends of the hanger. A respectable 53 breakfasts were sold and about 72 were in attendance. The ramp was cleared of aircraft and golf carts to get the Schwababuer’s Howard DGA-15P front and center for the program later in the morning.
Call to Order
Dick Keyt opened the meeting requesting anyone with knowledge of missing tables and chairs that belong to the chapter. The seating capacity was noticeably reduced for breakfast.
Dick gave out some First Flight jackets. One belated one went to Bill Winkler for his Sonex he flew in June of 2022. He claimed to have the longest build to complete a homebuilt. Dick corrected him by saying he owns that record for a Thorp he started in college and still hasn’t finished! The other jacket was for a more recent completion Pat and Mary Hoyt who flew their second Zenith (750 Cruzer) in March of this year. Always great to hear about first flights and recognize the persistence in completing a homebuilt. Dick – It’s not too late!
Dick made a call for guests in attendance. Ed Tuazon and his wife Thuy recently moved into the Landings on King Air Drive. He originally planned to buy a Gyro until he saw the insurance costs. He is now considering an RV-12 to build and fly. Ed joined as a chapter member following the meeting. Welcome Ed and Thuy!
Fly In and Classic Car Show
Bob Pastusek gave a summary of the highly successful Fly In last month. The picture to the right are the many of the pilots and ground crew volunteers who helped with Young Eagles during the Fly In. They are sporting the special shirts superbly crafted by Geneva McJunkin. Bob relayed several stats from the Fly In and Classic Car Show.
- 1100 Estimated Attendees
- 90 Aircraft
- 93 Show Cars
- 80 Young Eagles Flown
- Over $5000 in Net Income
Bob made special recognition of Bill Winkler who led the food service, one of the most difficult leadership positions for the Fly In. Sue Cole had been doing it for years and was still deeply involved providing her experience. Bob also made special mention of Mason Vickers who directed the Young Eagles aircraft movement with over a dozen aircraft constantly on the move. Finally, the chapter owes a large debt of gratitude to Bob Pastusek for leading the overall event. He was constantly checking on each area of the fly in and making sure everyone had what they needed.
Next year’s Fly In is planned for Sept 25th.
Other Reports
- Sam Butler reported that S-21 Outbound is complete and ready for inspection. Unfortunately, he was informed the FAA has a 3 month backlog processing the required paperwork before the DAR can conduct the inspection. In the meantime he has decided to do a vinyl wrap on the aircraft instead of paint. That work is about 50% complete.
- Keith Brown reported the latest delivery data for his Thunderbolt IO-390 is November 20th. He originally ordered the engine in April of 2023. With the delay he had a rethink on his avionics and decided to switch over to the new Garmin Axis system. So he is in the middle of rewiring and expects to get the new screens next week.
- Sue Lewis came forward to announce a special Christmas Tree planned for the clubhouse that recognizes the country’s 250th anniversary and veterans. They are asking for all veterans to create a unique ornament that highlights their service to our country. A flyer was passed out at the meeting with details and instructions.
- Greg Walker, chapter membership coordinator, announced that the chapter has surpassed 200 official members in 2026. This is the first time in chapter history.
- Bob Pastusek mentioned the Repairman Certificate training course is to be held at Pecan next week. 14 members from the chapter are signed up to take the course.
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Dick announced that planning is underway for this year’s chapter Christmas party. It will be held December 12 at the Clubhouse. 5:30 p.m. for photos and cocktails with dinner to follow. $45/dinner. Please pay Claudia, Konnie, or Erin at the next meeting on Nov. 14th to secure your spot. Include payment in an envelope marked with the following: Name, phone number, and people requested to be at your table (can seat up to 10). The event will sell out so get your tickets soon!
- (Post meeting item) EAA wives email request: We would like to set up a group email with EAA wives for get togethers. If interested, please email your information to Erin Hollis at hollispeaa@gmail.com
Program: Howard DGA-15P
Bob Pastusek introduced the speaker, Mike Schwababuer – the owner. Mike got his college degree at the University of Illinois. While he was there he began helping a crop duster operation loading aircraft and other support jobs. He went to crop dusting school and gained experience in a number of high performance crop dusting aircraft. He spent 20 years in the business.
The Howard DGA-15P design was based on the air racer Mister Mulligan so it is pretty fast for such a large high wing aircraft. Mike’s Howard was built in 1943 and served as a US Navy instrument trainer during WWII. The airplane changed hands multiple times after it completed its military time. In 1970 it was used in a skydiving operation and in 1973 suffered a ground collision incident during landing. In the early 2000s the airplane was restored by Dominick Pellegreno and Tom Jones in Rhome, TX. The restoration was completed in 2009. In 2012 it was sold to a collector in Sao Paulo, Brazil but returned to the US in 2017.
Mike has owned the aircraft for 5 years. He is very pleased with how it flies and is upgrading the avionics with an IFR Garmin setup. It burns about 25-27 gallons per hour with a 150-160 knot cruise speed. Short final is about 80 knots. It holds 122 gallons of fuel and has a useful load of about 1600 lbs.
Special thanks to Mike for bringing this unique aircraft and telling us all about it!
VMC/IMC Club
Our VMC/IMC club met right after the main EAA meeting. Dick Keyt 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.
