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January 2008 Issue

The regular meeting of EAA Chapter 890 was held on January 12th and was attended by about 2 dozen members. The meeting was conducted by new chapter President Barry Wigley. Other officers installed during the December meeting include Guy York as Vice-President, Wilma Playford as Secretary and Dr. John Isbell as Treasurer.

Bob Brown reported that he is still working with the City of Fort Payne to get a defibrillator available at the airport.

We seem to be short on wheel chocks for use during fly-in breakfasts and other events. Barry Wigley volunteered to work on some new sets.

John Shippey has asked to be replaced as the Young Eagles coordinator. If anyone is interested in taking over for John, please contact Barry Wigley.

December Fly-in Breakfast
We had about 80 people turn out for our December fly-in breakfast. Thanks to all those that helped inside the kitchen and outside with parking planes. Special thanks to Terry Chambers for getting the fridge working again and to Barry Wigley for repairs to the griddle. A big thanks also to JSU 's Environmental Policy & Information Center and the Little River Canyon Center for a recent donation of a case of coffee cups that we'll use to reduce the waste we send to the landfill.

Young Eagles
Saturday, January 12th, was also our quarterly Young Eagles weekend. We had 20 young people complete the program. Thanks to all the pilots that donated their time and airplanes to share their love of flying with a new generation.

Dues are Due
Annual chapter membership fees of $10 due in January. If you haven't already renewed your membership, please see Dr. John Isbell or any of the chapter officers. Wilma has been updating the membership contact list so be sure you update that information at the same time.

The Latest on the Never-ending User Fees Debate
Laura Bundy reported on a couple phone conversations she had earlier in the week with Senator Shelby and Senator Sessions offices concerning FAA funding. Senator Shelby's office said that the senator has no position on the issue yet. Senator Sessions' office was considerably more informative.

The government's authority to collect aviation taxes -- and spend from the aviation trust fund -- will expire at the end of February 2008. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2881 - the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2007 - back on September 20th, but the Senate has yet to pass an FAA authorization bill. There are currently two competing Senate bills working their way through Senate. The bill that is currently before the Finance Committee pretty much mirrors the House bill (it does not contain user fees). The bill before the Transportation Committee was originally sponsored by Senator Trent Lott and DOES contain user fees. As you may know, Senator Lott resigned at the end of December. There is hope that the departure of Sentaor Lott will cause the exsanguination of the whole user fee issue.

Congress must address this issue by February 29th in order to maintain operation of the FAA. Please take the time to contact your Congressional delegation about this issue. Tell them you support HR2881 as it was passed (i.e., no user fees). To see an issue overview, visit http://www.aopa.org/faafundingdebate

It is important that we make our voices heard on this issue. Contact information for our local congressional delegation >>

Upcoming Events

Chapter Meeting - February 9, 2008 at 10 AM
The regular chapter of meeting of EAA 890 will be held at the Fort Payne FBO at 10 AM.

Fly-in Breakfast - March 29, 2008
Chapter 890 will be hosting the next fly-in breakfast on Saturday, March 29, 2008. Breakfast for members begins at 7:00 and is open to all others from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM CST. Please contact Laura or John Bundy if you would be willing to help in the kitchen, or hangar cleanup.

Young Eagles - April 12, 2008
Young Eagles flights will be offered on Saturday, April 12th from 9 am to Noon. Bring your young aviation enthusiast to the airport for a free introduction to the world of flying. Young Eagles that complete the orientation will receive a free flight in a general aviation plane and a certificate of completion.

McCurdy Annual Fly-in - May 10, 2008
Watch for details in future newsletters.

Newsletter Archives

December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008

Website

As you know, the website is new and still a work in progress. If you see errors or if there are additions you would like to see, please contact Laura Bundy (lbundy@kijikdesign.com). Photos and articles are always welcome.