President Kim Sillers called the meeting to order at 1902.

Members present:

Kim Sillers, Larry Putnam, Tom Brown, Jerry Jones, Judy Jones, Brooks Partridge, Gilbert Belair, J.P. Finck, Dave Nainan, Paul Young, Bob Schallip, Marty Wolski, and Terri Wolski.

Minutes:

Jerry moved to approve the minutes as corrected (typo), and Tom seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report:

The current balance in the treasury is $2253.70.  This amount reflects lunch and dues deposits as well as checks written for tables, scholarship awards ($3000), and newspaper advertising for Young Eagles.

Note: Don’t forget to pay your dues for 2011 if you haven’t already done so.

FBO Report:

The grass is growing.

Speaking of scholarships, in addition to Mike Mugavero and Matthew McKinley, Joseph Kerr (from the Coast Guard) was recently awarded a Soo Pilots scholarship for flight training.  Matt is flying regularly, Joe will start with Larry this Wednesday, and Mike will begin his training on July 4^th.  Al Schwartz is “on hold” until he’s ready to resume his training.

Events Planning:

Young Eagles –

• First, Kim thanked EVERYONE for their help in making our Young Eagles Flying Event run smoothly and successfully.
• A major positive was how well the volunteers were spread out evenly to cover all areas and jobs.
• Suggestion for improvement:  Our registration ladies need a chance for a BREAK!  (They probably could have used a space heater back there, too, but maybe next year it won’t be necessary.)
• Another suggestion:  We should provide a special labeled box near the door for depositing Young Eagles applications after-hours.  (Maybe Pat and Gary could build one, and Terri could paint it. ??)
• Another suggestion:  If we have another Young Eagle in a wheelchair, we should not have any others flying in the back seats.
• One more suggestion:  Contact the Coast Guard &/or Border Patrol for setting up static displays (helicopter, etc.)

Oshkosh Weekend – Dave made a motion for the Soo Pilots to provide fruit, snacks, and bottled water (self-serve, mostly) for the folks that fly through on the way to Oshkosh.  Gilbert seconded the motion.  Everybody seemed to think it was a pretty good idea.  Terri (that’s me) volunteered to shop and keep the goodies stocked.

Adopt a Highway:

We had planned to clean our two-mile stretch along M-129 between 6 Mile and 8 Mile Roads on Monday, July 11^th.  However, road construction won’t be completed until mid-August, so Tom moved that we skip this round.  Brooks seconded the motion.  Motion passed.  Then we discussed the date for the next opportunity (between September 24^th and October 2^nd).  We decided to do it on Monday, September 26^th at 5:15.  Afterward, we will have our September Soo Pilots meeting and have something to eat.  (Not necessarily in that order.)  J

Open Discussion:

• October 1^st – Fall Color Tour – Qualified pilots will provide rides for adults.  Passengers must fill out the EAA form for insurance purposes.  Because of the rise in fuel prices, Gilbert moved to raise the asking price to a $25 donation.  Tom supported it, and the motion passed.  Tom also suggested the possibility of taking pictures to sell.
• All the lucky members who attended Gaylord’s air show agreed it was AWESOME.  A good-sized group from Soo Pilots flew down in four aircraft.  They told us about the two A-10 Wart Hogs, the B-17, and the RV group that flew in formation.
• Oshkosh this year features a “Salute to Naval Aviation,” the new Boeing 787 on Friday, B-17s, and the A-7 Corsair.  (I think.)
• Larry told us about getting his seaplane rating in Cadillac.  He did his training – 5 hours in one day – battling 18-knot winds with 29-knot gusts (yep, twenty-nine, I said!).  After a little paperwork glitch, he passed the check ride with flying colors.  On his return to Brimley Bay, Gary earned a new nickname.  You’ll have to ask him about it.
• Bob had a floatplane story, too.  His son (also named Bob) just put floats on his 172.  He was trying to land on a lake close to the Pontiac airport, but some drunken yoyo in a boat kept getting in the way.  When he was finally able to land safely, the police were waiting to get his statement in order to prosecute the yoyo – it’s a Federal offense to interfere with a floatplane trying to land.
• We also had a brief discussion about some interesting TV shows, including “Ice Pilot,” “Flying Wild Alaska,” “Dust Off,” and “Airplane Repo.”

Next meeting:  August 29^th

Note:  No July meeting because of Oshkosh

Jerry made a motion to adjourn, and Tom seconded the motion.  The meeting adjourned at 2002.

Submitted by Terri and Marty Wolski