The First Ever Chapter 1000 Airport Barbeque

Jim Piavis

Originally published June 1992

(Note: The very first function held by Chapter 1000 where we invited the world was officially called an "Airport Barbeque." It was not a "Fly-In" since we had not yet finished the incorporation process and thus did not qualify for the "Fly-In" insurance. We served burgers at the airport. How you got there was up to you...Don't you just love lawyers?)

From the Prez...

After a month away from this column, I'm back to writing. The past couple of months have been a little busy with Chapter 1000. Those of you that missed the May meeting missed an interesting talk by Dave Davidson on his trans-Atlantic crossing (both east and west) and tour of Europe in his Marquart Charger, a homebuilt biplane. Dave is also a retired USAF Lt Col with B-24 combat time in the South Pacific during World War II. After the meeting we adjourned to the Club Muroc for dinner where Dave told some of his more interesting stories that were probably not suited for a large group.

A big thanks goes out to all those who helped with the cookout at Fox Field. For the few in the chapter who could not attend, a good time was had by all. Some 27 homebuilts showed up including the newly painted Berkut (the new red trim really hides some of the white) and the Harmon Rocket II, a modified RV-4 with an IO-540 engine in it. Somewhere around 140 burgers were served free of charge with everyone getting plenty to eat. Actually, we had a lot of food left over but that issue will be addressed under the subject of the June meeting. Air & Space magazine was represented and interviewed several of our chapter members. They also took as many pictures as they could including a group chapter photo (I need a count on the number of pictures everyone wants so I can make an order). If you missed it, there was a front page article in the Lancaster Daily News morning edition with a picture of Chris Wank's Decathlon. The story was pretty factual and the coverage of the cookout beat out coverage of the demise of the Strategic Air Command. A surprise visitor was Ray Stits, inventor of the Stits aircraft covering process. As Ray is the founder of the EAA chapter concept and former president of EAA Chapter 1, he said he just wanted to see what we had going. I don't think he was disappointed. All in all it was a great Sunday afternoon and we look forward to the Second Annual Scott Horowitz Going Away BBQ.

In other news, the patches are in so see Vern Blomquist. Cost is $5.00 each. Also the nametags are in. If Norm Howell talked to you and you didn't pick yours up, see Norm at the next meeting. Likewise, if you picked up your nametag and didn't give Norm your $5.00, please do so ASAP.

That's about all for this month so see you at the June meeting.

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