Twenty members of EAA 231 visited John Testement and Park Dodd's two RV-10 projects at the January chapter meeting. After 20 minutes of examining the craftsmanship shown in the two aircraft, Ron VanSickle called the meeting to order and explained some of the changes coming up in the relationship between EAA Oshkosh and all the Regional Fly-Ins. Ron was happy to welcome two visitors, Paul White and his wife and Rob Riggott, Paul is building an RV-7A.

John then explained the history of the selection of the RV-10 kit, various stages in the building process, some special problems they solved, commercial tools he recommended as well as custom-designed ones and answered questions. During the talk photos projected on the wall behind him. A number of questions from the audience indicated a wide interested in the how's and why's of what John and Park have accomplished.

John, who is an electrical engineer, offered to host future chapter meetings and talk in detail about aspects of building an experimental aircraft.

After John's talk we again examined the construction, tools used and beautiful workmanship in these two aircraft. From comments I heard, it was obvious that this project visit held high interest for all who attended.

With the excellent help of the Wing Nuts Flying Club, I organized a display at this very successful air show. The air show has on it's roster: Patty Wagstaff, the Spirit of Freedom DC-4 Berlin Airlift airplane, a B-25 selling rides, several aircraft from the Fighter Factory, the huge radio control club from Danville, Virginia, a fellow flying a Stearman with a wing walker and the Golden Knights U.S. Army Parachute Team and more.

The Wing Nuts provided a part of one of their two tents and also an 8' table and chairs for our use. In addition, by a stroke of luck, Peter Braswell had just moved his beautiful GlaStar to Chesterfield from Merlin. He enthusiastically provided his plane for display both days. He even spent most all of Saturday and about half of Sunday at the display answering questions about the GlaStar and handing our the color post cards for our Suffolk Fly-in next June. The GlaStar was a magnet for the large crowd which attended the air show. Many, many parents put their kids in the plane and then snapped photos of their kids. I had both of the banners Gordon had made to advertise our 208 fly-in. I hung one on the tent and one from the wing of Peter's GlaStar.

In addition, EAA 231 members Harry Deloian, Gene Harrington, Al Zettl and Stanley Felts each spent a day or more at the display. In addition to telling people about our Fly-In, we had handout material shipped from Oshkosh about EAA membership and the Light Sport EAA booklet to hand out. Stanley, EAA 231 Young Eagles coordinator, provided Young Eagles brochures. I printed sign-up sheets for future Young Eagles flights and we had 28 parents/kids list their contact information to be called when we have our next rally.

I don't know how many cards we handed out, but I'd guess about half a box...i.e. many. I also provided a small supply of cards to Eric Lambert (President of the Merlin Soaring Club) who had his sailplane on display and to Sarah Parmenter for the '99s table.

All in all, it was a very successful event for getting the word out about our Father's Day Fly-In next year. The weather was severe clear, temps in the high '70s to very low '80s. Perfect weather for an air show, but absolutely terrible weather for my brother, who farms 1500 acres in Amelia County.

By the way, the Wing Nuts did a superlative job of setting up their display. Next to their brand new Diamond DA40 aircraft, they had two 10 x 10 tents adjacent to each other. In one tent they had a 42" LCD screen and powerful computer running the latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator with the DA40 in simulation. They had a free drawing and gave away a copy of MS Flight Simulator. (One of the members of the Wing Nuts works for Microsoft.) They also had a wide variety of handouts. The club had just printed a tri-fold color brochure telling people about the Club. In addition they had a number of giveaway items provided by AOPA and the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. And even the brand new Virginia State Aviation Calendar from the Virginia Department of Aviation. This was hot off the press.

Young Eagles is an EAA sponsored program that provides an airplane ride to young people, 8 to 17 years old. There is no cost to any of the participants. EAA Chapter 231 supports the Young Eagles throughout the year at local airports.

Please contact the EAA 231 Young Eagles Coordinator Stanley Felts (804-737-2175) for more information.

Local EAA Chapters:

Chapter 108 - Eastern Shore
Chapter 156 - Newport News/Williamsburg
Chapter 186 - Manassas
Chapter 339 - Hampton Roads
Chapter 511 - Shenandoah Valley
Chapter 1202 - Farmville
Chapter 1377 - Franklin, Va

and the local ultralight activity:

USUA Club 250, The Hummingbirds

Please be sure to visit our host:

Additional information may be found in the "Museum" section.

Rag Bag Aero Works, Inc.

One of our members, Dennis Harbin, has made a special offer. Rag Bag Aero Works, Inc. is a maker of embroidered apparel with an aviation theme. Dennis has set up an EAA Chapter 231 logo and will be giving the chapter $1.00 for every 231 garment sold.

The order may be placed at the Chapter 231 site or go to
Rag Bag Aero Works, Inc.

Dennis Harbin
17653 Louisa Road
Louisa, Virginia 23093-4450

Ph: 540-967-5400
Fx: 540-967-5499

Area FAA Medical Exams

Dr. Jethro Piland (pilot)
Virginia Physicians Inc.
Cold Harbor Family Medicine
7255 Hanover Green Drive
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
804-730-1111

Dr. Kenneth Simpson (active pilot)
Virginia Physicians Inc.
Cold Harbor Family Medicine
7255 Hanover Green Drive
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
804-730-1111

Dr. George Bright (pilot, not active)
13821 VILLAGE MILL DR STE B
Midlothian, VA 23114
(804) 794-8900

Dr. George T. Maughan (not a pilot)
Richmond Family Physicians
Retreat Hospital Medical Building
110 N ROBINSON #303
Richmond, VA
(804) 358-0248

The new Designated Medical Examiner available at Farmville (FVX) is Dr. Rich Williams and he comes highly recommended by a member of the Wing Nuts.
To set up an appointment call Cristine at 434-392-7145 or 434-983-3124.

Dr. David G. Schwartz (not a pilot)
101 WOOLFOLK AVENUE PO BOX 532
Louisa, VA 23093
(540) 967-2050