International Fellowship of Flying RotariansAmericas Region

Vice President George Chaffey

Newsletter - April 2017

April 28, 2017

Atlanta and the IFFR Fly-Away is fast approaching. We are in high gear. IFFR Americas is building... and so are the kids in Talkeetna, Alaska. Our future is in good hands. Read on....

What’s Happened

Talkeetna, AlaskaReal Kids Building Real Planes ... No Kidding

The Place. The biggest surprise of the recent IFFR event in Alaska came in Talkeetna ... a village of less than 800 people, 2 1/2 hours north of Anchorage ... the place after which the town in the TV series Northern Exposure was patterned.

The Program. In this tiny village is Talkeetna Build-A-Plane (TBAP), an all-volunteer program teaching kids the skills and temperament needed to build, restore and fly airplanes .... and succeed in life. It is based on the concept that aviation has the power to

engage kids, by making science applicable to something hands-on and visible, that may encourage them to consider STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) career paths available through aviation and other fields. Launched in 2010 with financial support from local citizens, it has survived with business donations

of tools, some materials, and some internships. The Matanuska Electric Association provided hangar and utilities, without which the project could not have survived. An aviation school helped students get their pilot’s licenses. For the past 8 years, the TBAP project has been restoring a 1973 six-seat Cherokee 6-300, recovered

www.ifframericas.org

Larry Rivers

from a crash site and donated to the program.

No Adults! Only students may work on the restoration process. Classes and work are typically two evenings a week. Students receive intensive classroom and practical training: Trainers came in for a welding certification class; A University of Alaska professor taught electronics and wiring;

local airframe and power plant mechanics teach students about composite materials, hydraulics, and how to rivet. Much of the work is overseen by Dallas Haman, recognized by the Alaska Air Carriers Association as the 2012 Mechanic of the Year for his inspirational commitment to

mentoring youth through his leadership of the TBAP program. Students must hone their skills and demonstrate proficiency before touching the plane, and Director Larry Rivers emphasized that students must drill and drive 100 rivets perfectly before being allowed to rivet on the plane.

The FAA gets concerned: When rumors reached Anchorage about “a bunch of kids rebuilding an airplane”, the FAA was concerned. It made a surprise inspection

visit...but the “surprise” was on the FAA! The FAA report is on our website [click for FAA Report], but these two paragraphs from that letter powerfully capture FAA’s conclusion:

I must admit to having some prior skeptical misgivings about “a bunch of kids rebuilding an airplane.” I can’t describe how wrong any of my pre-conceived notions were. I have been an Airframe and Power plant mechanic since 1976, employed by Part 135 operators over 35 years and a Director of Maintenance for 24 years. I’ve been an FAA Airworthiness Inspector since September 2003, with oversight of Operators, repair Stations, and have certified numerous aircraft n various categories. I have attended the Reno Air Races a half dozen times, as well as other air shows and aviation gatherings. With that being said, I have never seen better work than what has been done by the students at Talkeetna Build-A-Plane. Their craftsmanship and their benchmark is perfection.

Dallas Haman checks student work

Each rivet they drilled and drove is a textbook example of what it should look like. The only bad rivets I saw on the project aircraft were factory rivets that the students had already marked for replacement. Sheet metal work is an art form, as well as a craft, and they seem to have mastered it. They are developing and exhibiting skills in composite materials, wiring, and hydraulics. I am confident that they have the potential to transform the project aircraft into an airworthy aircraft with Standard Airworthiness Certificate.

Although the Talkeetna Build-A-Plane group could complete their project without FAA involvement, I assured Mr. Rivers I would assist in any way I could and I recommend that the FAA work with them, as they need and request, in “support of aviation education for Alaska’s youth. They are our future and we really need to help them become aviation enthusiasts and leaders.” /S/ Rudee L. Scott, Principal Maintenance Inspector.

The Results. The students eventually completed a beautiful restoration ... all by themselves. In the process, they learned valuable skills resulting in employment in the aviation industry, many earned their pilot’s license, and all are part of the younger population supporting General Aviation. One

TBAP student, Mikaela Young, went to study Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, worked for K2 Aviation, worked for Everts Air Cargo as an A&P aircraft mechanic on their DC-6 fleet, and on her 21st birthday, received her Flight Engineer rating, and is a Flight Engineer on Evert’s DC-6s. Another student,

Michael Kinsey, a cadet at West Point, wrote back saying “ ... I learned this [leadership] lesson hands on at TBAP. I saw how challenging it was to keep children on task, and how it was accomplished ... TBAP may build planes, but it also builds professionals. It’s about developing kids into professionals that have the skills of working with each other.” (Cadet Kinsey letter).

Now What? On May 24, in the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., Director Larry Rivers will receive the prestigious “Crown Circle for Aerospace Education Leadership Award” from NCASE (National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education), which is awarded to only one person a year. We’ll report on that in a later issue.

Mikaela Young

Helping Kids & General Aviation. Support from aviation and other businesses has been indispensable in keeping TBAP alive, but as an all-volunteer operation, its survival depends on getting help to cover shop and office supplies, aircraft parts, some tools and the important cost of traveling to

airshows to present the program to the aviation industry. It’s an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) non-profit

organization, working in formal partnership with the FAA and other organizations to promote aviation and aerospace education. TBAP needs your help. Join members of IFFR Americas in supporting TBAP by making a tax-deductible donation, and send it to Director Larry Rivers at: Talkeetna Build-A-Plane P.O. Box 107, Talkeetna, Alaska 99676 Phone: (907) 733-2471; Email: larry@talkeetnabuildaplane.org

For further information see its website and facebook page:website http://www.talkeetnabuildaplane.org/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Talkeetna-Build-A-Plane-192951127440144/(you may have to cut and paste or copy this URL into your browser or search through Facebook)

Open Cockpit Day at Oakland, California

Open Cockpit Day at the Oakland Aviation Museum lets kids of all ages climb into the cockpits of World War II Jets and Post World War II jets... and dream. There was a Tom Cat, a Sky Raider, a Harrier and much more. And kids and adults will all over them, or better said, sitting in them. It not something most people (even pilots) often get a chance to do.

It’s the perfect outing for an entire family... you can fly there (it’s just 3 blocks from the north field runway at Oakland

Airport), but you can also just drive there. They open the cockpits only a couple of times a year, so plan to come with the entire family at the next Open Cockpit Day.

There are also a range of other airplanes that form part of the history of aviation, from a replica of the Wright Flyer, to the Monocoupe (one of the early enclosed cockpit planes) to modern homebuilts. There are exhibits concerning Amelia Earhart, Jimmy Doolittle, women in aviation, African-Americas in Aviation, and much more.

Hamburgers and hot dogs were available to purchase, and we had a table for IFFR members to gather to eat and talk. we were joined this time by Sue Royce, IFFR member and Chair of the Marin County Chapter of the 99s. The 99s is an international organization of women pilots, founded in 1929, whose first President was the famous aviator Amelia Earhart. It was named for the fact that it had 99 charter members, but has now grown to thousands of members in over three dozen countries, and was founded, according to Amelia Earhart, for women who wanted to fly “for the fun of it.”. You betcha. If you missed this Open Cockpit Day, there will be another in June and in September, so stay tuned.

--- George Chaffey

IFFR on Rotary’s Board of Directors

IFFR member, David Stovall (L043), has been chosen to be a member of the Board of Directors of Rotary International.

David retired from commercial banking in 2011, after a 32 year career, 22 years of which were served as President and CEO of a national market NASD bank holding company. He then launched a new career as a commercial real estate broker. His wife, Kim Waters, also an IFFR member (#8958), is a career residential real estate broker in Northeast Georgia.

David has held a vast array of responsibilities in his district and in Zones 33 & 34 over the past two decades, including his current position as Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator . He is currently the Rotary International Director Nominee 2018-2020 for Zones 33 & 34. Kim is the current District Governor of Rotary International District 6910 in north Georgia.

David and Kim enjoy much commonality in their marriage. Aside from their mutual passion for both Rotary and real estate brokerage, they are both instrument rated pilots in both land and sea categories, both are IFFR members, and they enjoy cooking, hiking, tennis, and boating together.

As humanitarians who enjoy putting back into their endeavors, David and Kim are Major Donors and Bequest Society Members of The Rotary Foundation. David has received both the Citation for Meritorious Service and the Distinguished Service Award of The Rotary Foundation, its two highest awards to individual Rotarians.

IFFR is proud to have one of its members serving at the highest levels of Rotary. Congratulations David and Kim.

What’s Coming

The Super Bowl of Ballooning --- National Hot Air Balloon FestivalAlbuquerque, New Mexico

October 6 - 8, 2017

The is THE Premier hot air balloon event in the world ... the Super Bowl of Ballooning! And IFFR will be there. You’ll watch the amazing balloon ascension at dawn, the unbelievable Balloon “glow” in the evening, and be able to see it “up close and personal” only feet away from the balloons ... or go up for a ride, which will be available. Plus a chance to gather with fellow IFFR members for dinner Friday night and for the Balloon “glow” Saturday night after dark. A unique experience.

Save the date (October 6 - 8, 2017). Let organizers Dave & Janna Daniels know you are coming by email danielsroofelp@sbcglobal.net or by telephone (on the flyer), and call the hotel directly to make your reservations (Hotel Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, at 800-252-7772).

Atlanta Convention ... June 10 - 14, Post Convention June 15 - 24Banquet, Booth, Annual General Meeting, and Fly-Away

South East Section Chair Dale Read, Americas VP George Chaffey and others have been working on our AGM, Banquet, and the details of our fellowship trip together after the convention.

Official IFFR Airport for the Convention is Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport at Gainesville, Georgia (KGVL). This is where IFFR members will be accommodated the best while the convention occurs, and it is the starting point for the southeast tour.

Monday the 12th of June will be the day for the IFFR Board Meeting (2:30 pm EDT) and the IFFR Annual General Meeting (4:00 pm). The always popular IFFR Banquet will be Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Our IFFR booth is to be staffed daily at the House of Friendship at the Convention site.

IFFR Banquet in Atlanta - Tuesday, June 13

The IFFR Banquet in Atlanta will be in one of the most prestigious social clubs in Atlanta: The Commerce Club, on the 49th floor of the Peachtree Tower, with stunning views

(you’ll be dining higher than you sometimes fly), and only two blocks from the IFFR Hotel. The Banquet is $110 (US) per person.... think of it as your traditional “Hundred Dollar Hamburger” weekend fly-out, except this has prestigious venue, exquisite atmosphere, fabulous food, stunning views, and worldwide company.

Reservations: Make your reservations by emailing George Chaffey...just click this link gchaffey@Littler.com and say you are coming and how many (with names). First come, first served.

Payment: Either check or Pay Pal.

1. Check. If you’re in the US or Canada, you can send a check, made out to “IFFR”, to Steve Henderson, Americas Secy/Treas., at 561 Auto Center Drive, Watsonville, CA, 95076; Or..... 2. PayPal. You can pay by PayPal from anywhere in the world. If you have a Pay Pal account, just send the money to IFFR Americas’ email address.... ifframericas@gmail.com. If you have no account, it’s easy to set up (you’ll need an email address and a password). Go to www.paypal.com, select the “Pay or send money” icon at the top of screen and select “Send money to friends or family”. Enter the amount to pay and “send”. It’s that easy.

We hope to see you in Atlanta and at the Banquet.....High in the Sky!

Post Convention Fly About - June 16 - 24

There’s still room!!! If you’ve been putting off signing up, organizer Dale Read told us last month that he has a larger coach than originally contracted, so our maximum has gone up from 50 to about 56. As of April 28th we still had room for you! Contact Dale Read for more information and current availability: dread@readwindow.com -- or phone -- +1 (865) 250-1882.

Thursday morning the 15th the tour leaves from Gainesville, whether taking the coach or flying in private aircraft. Stops on the tour will include Chattanooga, Tennessee; Lexington, Kentucky; Charlottesville, Virginia; Williamsburg,

Virginia; and Manassas, Virginia. The last stop will allow time to visit the many museums in Washington, DC.

A brochure and registration is available on the IFFR Americas site on the home page (scroll down to find) or you can click on either of these: brochure registration

You’ll need to complete the registration, and at that point you’ll get the hotel list. You’ll need to contact the individual hotels on the list to make your reservations once you have the list.

Coming Soon ...

Next month and beyond ... look for continuing news on a summer and fall full of events.

Tail winds to ya’,

GeorgeGeorge ChaffeyIFFR Vice President, Americas RegionWing Leader, Low & Slow Squadron925.927.4502 direct 9 2 5 . 6 9 9 . 3 3 4 3

mobile 925.946.9809 fax GChaffey@Littler.comTreat Towers, 1255 Treat Blvd, Suite 600, Walnut Creek, CA 94597

Webmaster: PWP Peter MoreNewsletter Editor: PWP Tony Watson

2017Feb. Camarillo, CA - TBA2/24-3/5 Alaska - Iditarod, etc.2/25 Amarillo, TX3/19 Oakland, CA - OCD3/25 Lancaster, TXMar. Anchorage, AK4/28 - 29 Camarillo, CA - AOPA4/29 Galveston, TX5/19 Columbia, CA5/19 - 20 Talkeetna, AK5/27 Walnut Ridge, AR6/2 - 4 Grants Pass, OR6/10-14 Atlanta, GA - RI Conv.6/12 - 13 Atlanta - AGM, Dinner6/13 Eagle Field, CA6/15-25 Post Convention Tour6/18 Oakland, CA - OCDJun. Harrisburg, PA - TBA7/22 - 30 Oshkosh, WI - EAAJul. Cedarville, CA - TBA7/21 Eclipse Watch - TBD8/26 Fredericksburg, TXAug./Sep. Ashland, OR - TBA9/8 - 9 Norman, OK - AOPA9/9 - 10 Sacramento, CA - CAS9/24 Oakland, CA - OCDSep. Portland, OR - TBA10/6 - 7 Groton, CT - AOPA10/7 - 15 Albuquerque, NM Balloon Festival10/20 - 22 Austin, TX (La Grange)10/27 - 28 Tampa, FL - AOPA

What’s UpReminder: Dues Are On Us - Our Thanks to our Members

Last summer, the World IFFR Board rebated to us some of its accumulated surplus that had come from our dues. In September, the IFFR America promptly saw that as an opportunity to accelerate our on-going program to attract younger members, particularly Rotaractors, and to extend IFFR into South America, particularly Brazil. In our January, February and March Newsletters, you have seen numerous articles about our recruiting and engaging Rotaractors and Brazilians in IFFR. We’re hard at work! Apart from the world rebate, we realized we too had built up a surplus from our own members’ dues, so the IFFR Americas Board voted in December to waive dues for all our current members and new members for 2017 and 2018 ... paid from our own surplus, built up by our members’ dues ... one way of saying “Thank You” to our members for their support over the years and into the future. In addition to being a “Thank You”, it is also an excellent recruitment tool---free membership for a couple of years – like taking a test drive ... for free! Check it out on our website. ---- George

Pop Up Events

With the use of our modern communications methods and the right circumstances a “pop up” fly in or fellowship event is always possible. You’ll probably see more of these as our new Squadron Leaders become more active and plan things closer to home. So, always watch for those broadcasts from IFFR – it can bring much fun!