Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CHAPTER BANQUET - 6 PM
By Robert Heavirland
December:
8891 Airport Rd NE
Blaine, MN 55449
Please consider submitting an article for next month. Simply contact, your new newsletter team - Chief Editor: Josh Welter and Co-Editor/Reporter: Lyle Peterson
It is hard to believe that Randy and I have been doing the chapter newsletters since January 2012. There
was a dry spell where there were no newsletters in 2013. We both were to busy to produce it after
Randy became president in 2013 (Kirk left his presidency mid-term, left to get married and reside in
Texas). Since then, we have seen Kirk return to MN and become president again! For the first few
months in 2014, Chuck Ellingson had taken over as the newsletter editor but soon resigned. It was at
this point we started producing monthly newsletters again. Bob was president by then and it freed up
more time. As you might imagine, putting together a newsletter with broad appeal and creative content
is not always as easy as it seems. I will miss creating newsletters for our chapter members, however, it
is time to hand over the reigns and let new members offer their insight and opinions. We have a good
newsletter editing team to ready to replace Randy and myself. I know that Josh Welter and Lyle Peterson will make a great team and I look for good things from both of them! Thanks guys and good luck! I
thank everyone for the opportunity to have been your newsletter editor all these years. Becky Buhn
I agree with Beckys commentary above. I know Ive spent many hours either stuck on what to write or
even more time spent tweaking content until it was right. I know we both learned a lot about publishing
and creative writing. In some cases, a picture is worth a 1000 words, will speak volumes and using just
the right picture can make an article pop! We are no longer doing the newsletter, chapter secretary, webmaster, host master and social media for the chapter which means we will have more time to create videos now! I will be staying on as Movie Night host as my plans to leave the state and move to NC are not
looking very plausible at this time. If you have any videos you need edited and posted to our chapter Facebook and our YouTube channel feel free to contact me. I will be glad to do video production work.
This months newsletter harkens back to mid to late 2012, when I was producing large newsletters with a
magazine feel to them. If I had advertising to place in between the pages, this would we as large as the
Experimenter periodical! I sincerely hope you enjoy the last newsletter that Becky and I are doing and
the final newsletter of 2015. Moving into 2016 should be interesting to read the newsletter content without knowing what is in it!
I sincerely hope you enjoy Movie Night and if you have not been to one in the last few months I have
added over 25 new movies to the already deABOUT THIS MONTHS COVER PHOTO:
cent playlist. I also hope you enjoy the
YouTube and Facebook videos I will be work- THIS MONTHS COVER PHOTO HAS A BIT OF HISTORY. THE TOP IS THE
B-17 WORK PARTY WEEKEND CREW THAT TOOK PLACE ON FEB.
ing on for our chapter moving forward.
Have a Merry Christmas and a happy new
year from both of us! Randy Delfel
PS. So long and thanks for all the fish...
(There might be only one Douglas Adams
fan in our chapter who gets that, but I always
wanted to use that line! - Dont Panic)
16TH-17TH 2013.
THE BOTTOM FEATURES THE LAST B-25 WORK PARTY WEEKEND
CREW THAT TOOK PLACE ON NOV. 20TH-22ND 2015.
EAA WORK PARTIES HAVE EVOLVED IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. WE
ARE GOING SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR, WE ADDED AN EXTRA DAY INTO
THE PACKAGE AS WELL AND WE HAVE A DEDICATED B-25 PROJECT!
THE COVER OFFERS A BIT OF CLOSURE FOR ME. IT WAS TO BE THE
2013 NEWSLETTER COVER THAT WAS NEVER RELEASE UNTIL NOW. IT
HAS CHANGED SOME TO INCORPORATE CURRENT EVENTS. I HOPE
YOU ENJOY MY FINAL NEWSLETTER AS CO-EDITOR. RANDY DELFEL
`x
V{|t
Xxx44
Christmas is forever, not for just
one day, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away like bells
and lights and tinsel, in some box
upon a shelf. The good you do
for others is good you do yourself. May peace be your gift for
this Christmas and the blessing
of the Almighty be with you and
the world to help us all make this
world a better place; to make it a
Christmas day!
I'd have sworn that the call sign he used was "St. Nick."
Date-
Time-
Webinar Subject
1/6/16
8 pm
1/13/16
7 pm
1/20/16
7 pm
1/27/16
7 pm
KEY:
There may be inclement weather, unannounced event changes, cancellations or source errors
beyond my control. Please call ahead to verify that the event is taking place as scheduled.
J 2016
F 2016
Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time by participated on November 21st, 2015!
...also a big thanks to all who attended and supported our chapter breakfast, these proceeds go a long way to help cover our
operating costs throughout the year. Everyone had a great time visiting with other attendees. In total approximately 80+
hungry people (a few youngsters) attended with some flying-in from the Forest Lake and Menominee, Wi areas.
Our next EAA Chapter 237 Fly-in / Drive-in Cowboy Breakfast Social is set for Jan.16th at the chapter hangar .
Kick off our monthly event starting at 7:30am - 11am. Volunteers will be needed! Setup starts at 6:30am
Frank Huber had graciously offered to open up his hangar for a Chapter 237 members to visit Saturday, December 12th, 2015.
On this hangar tour, you had a great opportunity to see two projects being build at once as Frank is building an RV-7A and his hangar
mate is building an RV-12. Franks hangar is located right at KANE which made for a simple commute. The event kicked off at
10:00am and continued to see a steady stream of visitors until 12:00pm. Upon arriving the coffee was ready, water, cold pop, and
assorted cookies were at the ready for the enjoyment of the attendees. Frank had a crowd of people asking questions the whole time I
was present. Frank exceptional work on his Van's RV-7 is immediately visible as almost every part of the airplane was still accessible
for inspection. Frank has put nearly 4 years into the build (His very first to complete!) and hopes to be flying it next fall. The RV-7
will fly in the P-51 colors of "Old Crow".
EAA Chapter 237, 8891 Airport Road NE, Box C-12, Blaine, MN 55449.
- or You can pay your dues online with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Amex or from your checking.
Just visit the chapter website (eaachapter237.org/join-our-chapter) or on Facebook and click on Sign up.
The Pilots Lounge (your place to buy, sell and post information)
Jerry Rinehart Gone West
Avid Flyer Mark 4 Speed Wing Airplane and Cornell WI Airport Lot for Sale
Originally, this was going to be a for sale posting but before this could reach
print we lost one of our own and Jerry has recently passed away.
Jerry Rinehart was a member of the chapter back when Larry Carlston was the president. Jerry is quite ill and is in need of a bone marrow transplant, he was liquidating
what he could to raise some cash. He has things that he is trying to sell the might be
of interest to the chapter members. He wanted two sell the Avid Fly that Larry built.
It's in excellent condition and has less than 50 hours on it since Larry sold it and he
has a lot on the airport in Cornell WI. Both are available at fire sale prices. People
can contact me for further info, thanks : Steve Jackson 715-309 8788
Pictured on the right is the Avid Flyer Mark 4 Speed Wing. >>>
Jerry was looking to get $25K. A/E 230 hours TT. Engine is a Rotax 912.
Instruments: Radio, Transponder, Intercom, Electric Trim
Grand Rapids Engine Management System with Fuel Totalizer
Analog Gauges; Airspeed, Altimeter, VSI, Compass Clock and Fuel Gauge
Jerry had been fighting the good fight against Myelofibrosis which is a blood disorder. The treatment is very much like what is done for other autoimmune disorders with radiation, chemo, then a rebuilding of the bone marrow. Jerry was still
going through the rounds of radiation/chemo and never go the chance to see if a
stem cell transplant would have worked to restore his immune system.
As per Jerry's request there will be no funeral for friends just small gathering of
immediate family. There will be a memorial event later on (February) time frame
which will include Jerry's friends.
Jerry to me was a good friend, neighbor, coworker and aviator. Jerry and I spent a
lot of time together over the last nine years working together professionally as
well as being in the same EAA chapter and neighbors (we lived across
the street from each other), Jerry took me flying several time in his airplane, an Avid Flyer. Jerry was my first friend when I moved to my
home in Elk River, we met at an EAA chapter meeting before I closed
on my house. Imagine his surprise when he found out I bought the
house across the street from him!
Jerry was a member at one time of EAA237, Benson glider club, and
the now defunct EAA1360 Princeton chapter. It was through Jerry's
association with EAA237 where he knew of a former member Larry
Carlson who had built the Avid Flyer that Jerry owned (N199LC)
(Info on Jerrys lot for sale at the Cornell WI. Airport) >>>
Below is one of Jerry's favorite poems from Winnie The Pooh.
If you would like to list items in the Pilots Lounge for next month newsletter.
Contact: Lyle Peter son
Listed items run for one newsletter issue
(unless you contact us to continue running your listing)
Some time ago I had learned that the EAA's B-25 aircraft, N10V (serial number 43-4432), which our EAA
chapter is helping to restore, was used in the movie Catch-22. After some research, we have learned that, not
only was it used in the movie, but it had at least two different paint schemes for different scenes/roles in that
movie. Interestingly, there is one reference (more detail below) which indicates it may have played 'several airplanes' but, so far, only the two roles identified below have been verified.
But first, a little history. If you went to one or more of our work parties at the EAA Weeks Hanger earlier this
year, you already know that N10V has fold-down steps on the left side behind the waist gunner position which
is not standard B-25 construction. Kirk Fjetland located some history on N10V which indicates the air-stair
door was added as part of the 'executive' modifications performed around December of 1956 when it was then
owned by Husky Oil/Canam Company of Cody, Wyoming.
As a side note, those records indicated that a certificate of airworthiness was issued for a new N number NL10V
at that time but this seems incorrect. A different source indicates that her earlier civil registration number of
NL90399, originally assigned June 25, 1947, was changed to N10V in February, 1952 and pictures found since
that time all show the N10V designation.
Here is a picture of the aircraft (N10V) taken in August of 1956 showing the paint scheme from the Husky Oil
Company modifications when the air-stair door was added, although you cannot see this in the picture because
the door is on the left side. Notice that a pointed tail cone was also added, presumably, to improve cruise performance.
Records indicate that the aircraft was purchased in March of 1960 by Cherokee Flying Service and the markings (name) below the cockpit was changed to 'Cherokee II', as indicated in the picture below. Note the caption
on the picture indicates that the picture was taken on January 11, 1960 so it must have had the new name applied before the purchase, or else the date is wrong on the picture or in the date of sale record.
Now to our main story. When the movie Catch-22 began preliminary production, Paramount made a decision
to hire the Tallmantz Aviation organization to obtain sufficient North American B-25 (Mitchell) bomber aircraft to recreate a Mediterranean wartime base as depicted in the Joseph Heller novel of the same name. Tallmantz president, Frank G. Tallman ended up finding war-surplus aircraft, and eventually gathered not only aircrew to fly the aircraft but also ground support crew to maintain the fleet. N10V was one of the B-25s that was
purchased by Tallmantz some time around September of 1968 for use in the movie.
Presumably, because N10V had the executive air-stair door modification on the left side, it was decided this
would make a good personal VIP transport airplane for the role of General Dreedle in the movie, played by Orson Welles. The actor was already a good-sized gentleman at the time so the door modification was a perfect
fit (so to speak).
The next two pictures show the paint scheme that was used for this role as the general's personal transport. Note
that the aircraft already has the mock top turret gun and nose machine gun installed but the waist gunner position appears to have curtains rather than machine guns. It also appears that the pointed tail cone was removed
at this time. And how about those fancy painted white sidewall tires!
Now comes the interesting part. Because there was a limited budget for the movie, and they had already acquired 17 flying B-25s, apparently, it was decided to repaint N10V in standard camouflage colors in order to
provide an additional aircraft for use in some of the other flying scenes in the movie. Presumably, movie production was scheduled so that all of the scenes of the general's personal transport were filmed first before N10V
was repainted for this additional role.
Here are some pictures of N10V with the nose art name of 'Berlin Express' showing how it looked after it was
repainted. The first picture was taken while it was still at the filming location in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico.
The second picture was taken a couple of years later. The third picture when it was at an airshow about a year
after that. As you can see it still had the nose art and still retained the tail code 6N which it had in the movie.
I mentioned earlier that N10 may have played several roles in the movie. Here's the reason. The picture
below of the general's transport has the following caption:
Air to air view of B-25H N10V, the VIP transport that played several airplanes in the film. Here it carries
M+M markings. (via Chris Brame).
So what does 'several airplanes' mean? Did N10V have yet another (third) role (and paint scheme) in the
movie? We are still researching this issue. For example, the picture below taken at the runway of the movie set in Mexico shows some of the pilots and ground crew. Not sure because of the resolution of the photo,
but it appears that the first aircraft on the left (the one in full view) might have a tail code of 6N (or is it
6W). If the code is 6N could this possibly be the same N10V aircraft with yet other markings for some of
the scenes in the movie? Or did this tail code get applied to some other aircraft? Who knows? If one of
you can find a better copy of this photo or can find other sources on this question, maybe we will find out
more.
I hope you enjoyed this article about some of the history of our B-25 project aircraft N10V and how it was used
in the movie Catch-22.
For your info, Chris Henry from EAA headquarters will be giving a talk about more of the history of this B-25 at
the next EAA Oshkosh work party, the evening of January 8th. Maybe we could ask him if he has anymore information about how it was used in the movie.
Finally, if chapter members are interested, we could include a reprint of an article about the making of the Catch22 movie in a future newsletter. It gives more details about the B-25 procurement process, aircraft modifications
and all the logistics that Tallmantz Aviation went through in the production of the Catch-22 movie. Just let us
know.
-Dave Peterson
Additional information: It is serial number 98-21433, built sometime in 1943, and is listed as an H model. According to Wikipedia there
were 1000 of the H models built and it says only one is known to be still flying. There is also a picture there of an H model named Barbie III
taxiing at the Centennial Colorado airport so it must be the flying one. Some of the H models had the 75 mm cannons removed and replaced
with more 50 cal machine guns, some of these ended up with a total of 10 forward facing and 4 rear facing machine guns.
Historical info on our EAA B-25H-5:
1943
Constructed as a B-25H-5.
Circa 1943
Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 43-4432.
Circa 1946
Transferred to Reconstruction Finance Corp., Altus, OK.
25June 1947
To Joe Zappa/Delta Drilling Co., Dallas, TX.
August 1947
To Texas Aircraft Trading Co., Tyler, TX with c/r NL90399.
March 1948
To Jacques Power Saw Co., Dennison, TX with c/r N90399.
September 1949 To A. B. Wharton, Vernon, TX.
February 1952
To Mechanical Productions Inc, Jackson, MI with c/r N10V.
March 1954
To Alfred E. Merhige, Hollywood, FL.
December 1954
Loaned to J. O. Willet, Monroe, LA.
October 1955
To Husky Oil Co/Canam Company, Cody, WY.
December 1955
Further executive modifications completed; airstair and pointed tail cone.
27 June 1956
Certificate of airworthiness for NL10V (B-25H, 98-21433) issued.
March 1960
To Cherokee Flying Service. Markings added: Cherokee II
June 1962
To Tropical Export Trading Co, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
June 1962
To Long Island Airways, New York, NY.
September 1968 To Tallmantz Aviation, Orange County, CA.
September 1968 To Filmways Inc, Hollywood, CA.
1970
Markings Applied: Berlin Express. Used in the filming of the movie Catch-22.
May 1971
To Sherman Cooper, Merced, CA.
16 August 1972
To EAA Aviation Foundation Inc, Oshkosh, WI with c/r NL10V (B-25H, 98-21433).
To EAA AirVenture Museum, Whittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, WI.
1975 to 1985
Restored. Markings Applied: City of Burlington, 34030
2011
Oshkosh - outside Museum
For myself, I want to thank my predecessor, Bob Heavirland, for all he has
done for Chapter 237! Bobs selfless dedication to his presidential duties, organizational skills, and incorporating all of that with his love of aviation, has
been an inspiration to all of us. I know I speak for everyone in saying Job
well done!, and thank you. Of course, Id be completely remiss without expressing our deep gratitude to Vicki Lynne Heavirland for her exceptional
support and allowing Bob to come play with us!!
Under Bobs leadership, 2015 was an exceptional 50th year for EAA Chapter 237. We have never been
more active, had a bigger increase in membership, and had more FUN! However, now is a time of
change, rapid and fantastic change, in aviation. For our continued success we must continue to be bold
while shaking the old ways. Due to the constant increase in technology and government regulations
(2016 FAR/AIM is now 1100+ pages!), we must be cognizant of those changes yet continue to do what has made
us so successful. We must continue supporting fellow
chapter members in their areas of aviation passion, and
invest our time and resources into the future of aviation.
We must also explore new sources for our fundraising
efforts, and do so in a highly competitive world for the
charitable donation dollar.
2016 will be a new and challenging year for Chapter 237.
We will continue to be at the forefront of the EAA B-25
Mitchell Bomber restoration project, host AOPA Air
Safety Institute seminars, participate with Discover Aviation Days, Oshkosh work parties, volunteer at
AirVenture, host the EAA Ford Tri-Motor tour stop and
Young Eagles rallies, etc. However, the focus will always be on having great aviation fun!! We will try
to incorporate more flying events into our year with a possible Poker Run, chapter fly-outs, and whatever
else YOU can suggest. Your input and suggestions will always be welcomed!
Powered flight has been with us for over a hundred years, yet the love of flying has never changed: It is
here that man as an aerial voyager, can enjoy a taste of the heavenly bliss, exhilaration of spirits and
freedom from cares and anxieties such as he never before enjoyed or thought possible. William Edwin Irish, 'The Aerial Transit of Man,' published in Aeronautical World, 1 August 1902. We all have
been very fortunate to experience the love of flight in one way or another. Therefore, it is imperative
Chapter 237 continues to promote our Young Eagles program and expand our relationships with area
schools. The Future of Aviation lies within their hands. Remember: "A viation
seeds must be transplanted to future generations if we are to see our rich heritage passed on for others to see, to feel, to touch, to fly." Paul H. Poberezny,
(EAA Founder and Aviation Legend) 1921-2013
It will be a great honor and pleasure to serve as your Chapter 237 president
again! I know Bob agrees that our successes are primarily determined by the
teamwork efforts of our membership, and we have the best anywhere. It is
YOUR participation and volunteering that makes EAA Chapter 237 stand out
and what sets us apart from the others. With your help, its going to be a great
year!
Kirk E. Fjetland, USN (Ret.)
President - EAA Chapter 237 (ANE) 2016 & 2017 term
(
2016
2017
Officers:
(2 year term board position)
President: Kirk Fjetland
Vice President: Josh Welter
Secretary: Kevin Sislo
Treasurer: Mark Heule
Board Member#1: Mark German
Board Member#2: David Peterson
Volunteer Positions :
(Non officer position - No set term limits)
Social Media (Facebook/Website): Alec Wojciechowski
Young Eagles Chairman: Curt Stoltz / Joe Gmitter (resource)
Young Eagles Safety Officer: David Peterson
Eagle Flight Chair: Robert Heavirland
Newsletter Chief Editor: Josh Welter
Newsletter Co-Editor/Reporter: Lyle Peterson
Communication Officer: Kirk Fjetland
Program Chair (meeting speakers): Kirk Fjetland
Shop Coordinator (B25 Only): Curt Stoltz
Shop Coordinators: Alan Eke / Bill Taft
Food Coordinator Fly-in Breakfast: Robert Heavirland
Coffee & Cookie Coordinator: Jack Smith
Membership Chair: Nancy Carter
Movie Night Host: Randy Delfel
Hello, my name is Dave Peterson, newly appointed board member - I have been a member of
chapter 237 for the last two years and have participated in many of the chapter-sponsored events
and activities during that time so some of you already know me. I have been an EAA (and AOPA)
member since 1977. I first got involved in aviation around that time when I earned my private
pilot's license and then used the GI bill to get my commercial pilot's license and instrument rating.
I did this training at the Cessna Flight Training Center (FTC) located at Flying Cloud Airport. For
a number of years after that I flew rented aircraft from various FBO's at Flying Cloud and Crystal
Airports. I also started a Quickie (Q1) project at that time but have to admit that the project, as
well as my flying activities eventually 'took a back seat' to other events in life. About three years ago I finally retired,
bought a hanger at the Anoka County Airport, and moved the Quickie project from my basement to the hanger with the
hopes of finally getting it completed. However, my first priority was to get back into the air as an active pilot so two years
ago I joined the North Star Flying Club at the Anoka County Airport. Since then I have been splitting my time between
some VFR flying, occasional work at my hanger, our EAA chapter activities and the usual family responsibilities at home. I
am honored to have been elected as a board member of our EAA chapter and look forward to serving the chapter to the best
of my abilities in this new assignment. If we have not yet met please be sure to introduce yourself to me so I can learn about
your personal interest in aviation. Thanks for voting for me!
Hello, my name is Kevin Sislo and I am honored to be the Secretary of Chapter 237. I have
been a member of EAA since 1983, and Chapter 237 since August. I recently joined EAA237
because I saw a group of motivated pilots involved with Young Eagles, aviation education, aviation outreach, and airplane projects. Although I am not building an airplane, nor currently flying, I
am enthused to be with this chapter. My wife Toni, and daughters, Brianna (15) and Taylor (19)
have been encouraging me to get involved with a local chapter, and I decided the time was right. I
have been enjoying the camaraderie and aviation experience of this chapter and look forward to
being involved with many chapter activities.
Kevins First Board Minutes December 10th, 2015
Present: Bob Heavirland, Al Eke, Glen Martig, Randy Delfel, Dave Peterson, Mark German, Kirk Fjetland, Mark Heule, Kevin Sislo.
The meeting was called to order promptly at 1900 hours by Bob Heavirland.
November notes were reviewed.
Young Eagles discussion was brought up and tabled for later discussion.
Randy informed all present that Newsletter items needed to be submitted by Dec 19th.
All present gave a brief introduction and experience with EAA, etc.
It was decided that the January board meeting needed to discuss membership details.
Bob reviewed the status of the building and grounds:
The furnace has been repaired with a new control board.
The roof was sealed by Bob, but a persistent leak exists. Future repair work may be
\_needed.
Bob added an aircraft quality lock box cover and replaced the lock face.
Bob suggested the gas meter needs a roof. Sounds like a volunteer activity is needed.
General discussion:
B25 nose is progressing. It was decided set times of 7-9 PM on Tues and 1 - 4 PM
\_Wed would be established for working on the B25.
BD5 project will be worked on after the B25 nose is complete.
Cessna pedal plane - Al Eke and Keith are working on. (See picture on the right!)>>
Discussion was held regarding the availability of an empty building near the control
\_tower. Kirk is keeping MAC apprised of EAA237 interest.
Oshkosh board member training in February was reviewed.
Oshkosh Work Party weekend is being coordinated by Kirk.
The 2016 Calendar of events was discussed and events were put on the calendar.
Further event suggestions for a Spring and Fall event
\_was made by Randy. SteinAir (sp) was suggested as a chapter visit. The Farmington control tower was suggested as a place to visit.
The 5K run to be held @ ANE was discussed and Kirk motioned to split the profits of the pancake breakfast with the Blaine elementary
\_school. Mark Heule seconded the motion. The motion carried with a unanimous vote.
Mark Heule motioned EAA Chapter237 should sponsor a 2nd student to the Air Academy in 2016. Motion was seconded by Randy.
Since 1990, the Tree of Hope has collected toys which are distributed to Minnesota hospitals by the
aviation community. Children who are having surgery, chemotherapy, dialysis, transplants, etc., over
the holidays are seriously ill and need our help. Other major toy collections do NOT give to hospitals, so they are filling that need!
Tree of Hope is an all volunteer program that was started in 1990 by Ray and Celeste Shefland of
Bemidji, Minnesota, who noticed there were many children spending time in the hospital over the
holidays. Some of them were dealing with major or terminal illnesses and some were recovering
from surgery or an accident. Many of them were far from home and missing their families and
friends. Often times only one parent was able to stay with the child and families needed to spend their "holiday" money on
lodging instead of presents for the children. This is NOT the way for any child to spend their holidays! In 2014, Tree of Hope
sent toys to 35 hospitals across the state of Minnesota, all delivered by volunteers, even more hospitals will be added this year!
The toys that were collected at the Chapter 237 for 2015 were transported to Maple Lake Airport
(MGG) on December 5th in a caravan of airplanes. The weather cooperated, numerous Chapter 237
pilots volunteered to fly the toys there for sorting and distribution to various hospitals. I got to fly up
with Joe Gmitter again this year and enjoyed the trip there and back. Thank you to all who donated
toys this year as there were a pretty good amount of toys by the December 5th deadline. EAA 237 had
another large generous donation again this year. I partnered up with Toys'R'Us again this year. The
North Branch, MN location closed (hopefully from not giving us such great deals last year) so i visited
the Blaine, MN location. I talked the manager on duty to giving us a pretty deep discount on his inventory. All said and done the car was stuffed to the brim again this year with toys!!! As you can see in the pictures, just how
much we had to send to Tree of Hope for 2015! By the time the smoke cleared we had $600+ worth of toys being donated to
the Tree of Hope charity that needed flown!
On December 10th, A second crew delivered the sorted Tree of Hope toys to the Mercy Hospital pediatric unit for the kids
hospitalized on Christmas. If you noticed the number of volunteers for the second crew grew by 200% once it was discovered
last year that they feed you a really nice dinner afterwards! Thanks again to Glenn Martig, Gary Laurich, Mark Heule and Kirk
Fjetland, the second crew!
Chapter 237 will be the driving force in the restoration into flying condition of EAAs B-25H (serial
number 43-4432) "Mitchell" bomber!!!
The B-25 was designed in 1939 by the North American Aviation Company, and was named in honor of
General William Billy Mitchell (1879-1936), one of the earliest and strongest advocates of American
airpower. From 1940 to 1945, nearly 10,000 B-25s were built by North American, more than any other
U.S. twin-engine bomber. On April 18, 1942, Lt. Col. James Jimmy Doolittle led 80 air-crewmen, in 16
B-25s, on the first U.S. air raid against Japan. Planned in secret as retaliation for the Japanese attack on
Pearl Harbor, the B-25s were able to reach Tokyo by taking off from the deck of the aircraft carrier Hornet.
Chapter 237 initiated the restoration of this aircraft this past January when over 20 volunteers made the
journey to Oshkosh. Then in February, another 20+ braved the cold and snow to continue the work.
Because of the excellent work our volunteers have done and the national reputation 237 has for being the
prime example of "The Spirit of Aviation", EAA has decided to bring the work to us! Monday, we will be
taking delivery of the B-25H nose section. After that has been completed, wing sections will be sent our
way.
Comments that have appeared online and in email to date have all sounds productive, educational and fun!
Here's some excerpts:
"We had another fun work night! We reviewed the new drawings from HQ and thanks to Gary and Cheryl
they made a part for the floor. Hurray the first part!!
Ron headed up a group who built a stand for the green house upper section. Al and Curt reviewed the
drawings."
"Some came to work others to encourage us. I think 9 stopped in total.
Thanks to some preplanning by Curt Stolz we were able to shear some
more parts for the floor parts. One part was completed and some hardware lists started. Cheryl and Curt started going through hardware
which will help us better plan our requirements for future orders."
"Fun afternoon working on B25 parts and hangar maintenance. We had
8-9 stop in and one new member signed up. The Dave and Dave team
fabricated 3 parts with help from Al and Mark. Curt and Bob say thank
you. Dave Vierra with "hat section" in front of part David Waters
made." (Photo) >>>
"Another good project work day. B25 more templates made, aluminum
trim parts polished and counter sinks reset. Thanks to Ron, Al, Mark,
Keith, Curt!"
Awesome work team! Be a part of this project and have FUN!
Workshop are held twice a week, during days and evenings.
Celebrating it's 50th year as an EAA chapter, 2015 has been the most FUN and active year -to-date for Chapter 237 at the
Anoka County-Blaine airport (ANE) in MN. Winter tends to hamper our aviation fun, but it doesn't stop us! Chapter 237 is made
up of a diverse group of experienced and talented members that love aviation, wants to be active, and truly desires to keep the
Spirit of Aviation alive and well.
More than 20 Chapter 237 members braved the wintry conditions and icy Wisconsin roads to start the year with January and February work parties at the Weeks Hangar (https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/volunteer/articles/02-2015-chapter-237-at-weeks-hangarairplanes-fun-and-birthdays). 237 members also volunteered at the EAA Ski Plane Fly-In. With the advent of the Spring and
Summer months, our activities substantially increased with participation in: MN Pilot's Assoc. gathering at ANE; "Discover Aviation Days" at ANE; the AOPA Regional Fly-In, (2) AOPA Air Safety Institute seminars; the Ninety-Nines Regional Fly-In at
ANE; not one, but TWO Aluminum Overcast tour stops; multiple Young Eagle rallies at ANE and other regional airports; and
members spent the week prior to AirVenture at the Weeks Hangar cleaning/repairing/moving EAA aircraft from the museum and
Pioneer Airport. Now we have begun our most challenging, exciting, and beneficial volunteer project...restoration of the EAA B25.
While towing the B-25 with John Hopkins (EAA Director of Aircraft Maintenance) to the front of the EAA Museum prior to
AirVenture 2014, I asked if the B-25 would ever be restored. John described everything that needed to be done and expressed that
might be something that he'd like to accomplish, but the approximate cost ($500K) could be prohibitive. Not learning from my
experience in the NAVY (Never Again Volunteer Yourself), I mentioned that Chapter 237 would be willing to assist in anyway
possible. Nothing more of that project was discussed and thought the B-25 restoration project was a dead end. Without advanced
notice this past winter, John informed me that the B-25 was moved from the museum into the Weeks hangar, the starboard wing
had been removed to get it in the hangar, and it was "game on"! EAA had approved the B-25 project, but it came with a cost saving stipulation that the work be done on an all volunteer basis. Chapter 237 jumped at the opportunity to be involved with this
historic aircraft and do our part to "Keep 'Em Flying".
This November work party included members from Chapter 25 were invited, and what could be more appropriate than for them to
help with the B-25. Chapter 237 is planning at least 2 or 3 work parties after the first of the year. The nose section is currently in
our hangar building at ANE and work has begun converting it into a WWII air combat ready machine. 237 has had three work
sections (with 13 volunteers each time) since obtaining the nose section and required parts/equipment. We know the importance
for our small aviation community to work together for the future of aviation. We, and future generations, will all benefit from it!
This is not solely a Chapter 237 project, but an EAA one. We invite other area chapters and EAA members to join us with this
historic endeavor.
The B-25 restoration will be a daunting and time consuming project, but it will be done! Our motto: "The B-25 will fly before we
die."...we hope!
WE SET A NEW RECORD!!! 26 volunteers (23 males, 3 females) coming for the January's 7th(arrive)-10th(depart) work party!!
Chris Henry, EAA's own resident aircraft expert, will be one hand Jan. 8th to do a short presentation on the B-25's and specifically
the history of the one we're working. As a bonus, EAA is sending Chris to ANE to do a presentation for our February 22nd chapter
meeting! It's beneficial for our volunteers to have the background info on the B-25 we're working on which should help draw additional volunteer/chapter participation!
EAA has been stepping up the meals at these work parties. If you have not been to one in the last few years here are the top 3 meal
choices as selected by members going on the upcoming trip:
Breakfast (in order of requests)
1. Scrambled Eggs
2. Denver Scrambler
3. Tied - Cheese Omelets & Pancakes/French Toast
Lunch (in order of preference)
1. Taco Salad Bar
2. Pulled Pork Sandwich
3. Chicken Breast Sandwich
Dinner (in order of preference)
1. Beef Tips & Noodles
2. Home Style Meatloaf
3. Roast Turkey
Lodging accommodations have recently been in the academy lodge and staff admin lodging which are much nicer than the Binder
house. Things are looking up for our chapter and it's members! Great teams reap great rewards, congratulations on being a great
team!
Kirk E. Fjetland, USN (Ret.)
MERRY CHRISTMAS !
Thank you for opening your doors as we brought student tours during your busy work schedules.
I want to thank you for the 2015 support of the education program that brought an estimated thirteen hundred visits from the Anoka
-Hennepin District 11 schools and clubs and special groups that have aviation as part of their programs and interest. During the past
five years we have played host to 4000 visits by K-12 students.
Some classes get to visit more than once and are given different goals during each visit. We have seen Engineering, Mechanical
and Aviation Tech students from several schools that have joined the list of regular visitors to our airport and have been provided
Aviation Instruction and History, and for some, their first visit to an airport..
We have been working with schools for the past five years to bring them the opportunity to experience a functioning airport, things
that provide a hands-on view of how things work. This approach is what the STEM initiative is all about, bringing education and
industry side-by-side in an effort to help bring school achievement and graduation rates up and to create a pool of students that can
begin to fill technical positions that rapidly are being left open by retiring workers and for lack of qualified entry level employees.
Looking forward to 2016
Best Regards,
Roger Hansen
EDUCATION COORDINATOR
BLAINE AIRPORT PROMOTION GROUP