Volume XXXV Issue 4 - October 2015 October 17, 2015 OACAC quarterly meeting Albany Airport (S12) Infinite Air Center Program: Being An Alaskan Bush Pilot PREZ s Report As many of you know, we lost Hal Skinner and his grandson Milo on Labor Day in a tragic accident at Creswell Airport. We have certainly lost one of our most loyal and enthusiastic members and we offer our sincerest condolences to Carol and her family. Hal learned to fly at Creswell and immediately became active with the local aviation groups. Many remember the Creswell Air Fairs these events were an opportunity for Hal and Carol to participate in and take leading roles in the organization of those events. It wasn t long before Hal took an interest in vintage aircraft and they joined the newly formed Oregon Antique and Classic Aircraft Club member #84 in fact. Hal would serve as President from 1996-97 and be Air Boss for the 98 Air Tour. It was Hal who so enthusiastically supported the idea of the Air Tours that really got them initiated in 1984. Hal and Carol flew on many of the subsequent Air Tours. Hal and Carol were also members of the Oregon Aviation Historical Society and served in a variety of areas enthusiastically supporting the many activities of the Museum. Hal s lasting legacy will be his organization and promotion of the Hall of Fame program. His organizational skills have left a lasting imprint on the Museum s structure and functions. Hal also was a member of the local EAA Chapter 31 again enthusiastically supporting and participating in a myriad of programs at the local level. Besides his EAA membership, Hal was also a lifetime member of the Antique Aircraft Association. down the West Coast to fly-ins and aviation gettogethers for 20 plus years. Certainly a highlight for Hal was flying to Oshkosh 2007 winning a trophy meeting many new friends, and flying his Cadet for the EAA photo crew! President Tim Talen Vice President Mark Baxter Secretary Trish Hanna Treasurer Bev Clark Past President Jon Husser Newsletter Ed/Pub Marilyn Husser WHO TO CONTACT Website: www.oacac.net ragwood@televar.com m.baxter@comcast.net rnthanna@gmail.com clark-bev9@gmail.com jhusser@minetfiber.com mhusser@minetfiber.com I was privileged to have restored an Interstate Cadet for Hal which he flew on Air Tours and up and 1
This very same Cadet was also the avenue by which Hal shared his love of flying with his grandson Milo. Milo soloed in the Cadet and in quick succession completed his flight training all the way to ATP. Hal was so enthusiastic about all things aviation that it makes it impossible to think this void can ever be filled. We were so fortunate. Tim Talen * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OTHERS SHARED THEIR MEMORIES OF HAL & MILO From Jan Hedberg I had the honor to know both Hal and Milo Skinner. I participated in the 1988 air tour with Hal and Carol and continued to enjoy flying with them in tours until the 2000 tour when Milo replaced Carol in the Interstate. I was Hal s Vice President in 1996-97 and have worked with him as a Board Member of the Oregon Aviation Historical Society (OAHS) since I started attending their meetings as the OACAC representative to the OAHS during that time. I still remember a breakfast in Prosser, Washington during the 2000 Air Tour when Hal and Milo joined me and my two children (David 16 and Sarah 12) for breakfast before we started off on the days flight to Silverwood, Idaho. The look on the faces of both Hal and Milo while the waitress brought plate after heaping plate of the Frontier Breakfast to set before Sarah, who was in a growth spurt, and then their amazement as she ate it all. Quiet Milo just smiled and shook his head. Hal s comment was that of his concern; we might not get the Fairchild off the ground. Both were true gentlemen. Hal always believed in doing things correctly. If it was worth doing, it was worth doing it right. During his Presidency, he called me regularly to make sure that meeting arrangements and guest speakers were all arranged. I truly never wanted to disappoint him and his confidence in me. He was just that kind of friend. and worked the mag switch, throttle and brakes. He was just more comfortable with it that way. He maintained his aircraft with meticulous detail. He did the same with his car and truck. I never saw Hal driving a dirty vehicle. I could not imagine it happening. Hal and Carol brought the Interstate to all of the Vintage Festival celebrations held in Newberg, Oregon during the 80 s and 90 s. Their aircraft was always one of the most popular of the celebration. All of us knew that if we were at any aviation event where Hal Skinner was present, he would find you and talk to you. He listened to you and was interested in what you had to say. I don t think I know another person that I have known who I knew focused so much on whomever they were talking to. He made you feel important. I stumbled upon two You Tube postings that Milo had obviously posted just a few years ago. They showed Hal and Milo flying the Luscombe together. I don t think I have ever seen video that so accurately portrayed two people who enjoyed each others company and shared love of flying. In 1999, shortly after my father passed away, Hal, who had known my father for twenty years, read a poem at a club meeting. He gave me a copy and I still have that copy. I would include it now in this writing but there are many copyright rules that would have to be met. I will refer you to the Internet. Google The Dash and think of Hal. I think it truly fits the man. From Roger Starr Learn From Others As we were reminded at Hal and Milo s memorial service, Hal s DNA demanded that he strive to do everything right. Accountants have a strong bent (continued on p. 5) I often offered to help him by hand propping the Interstate. He almost always accepted my offer but would never let me pull the prop. I sat inside 2
Flying The Alaskan Bush Professionally created video including shots of Bev Clark s brother Odell Lake IN THE OLDEN DAYS.. by Jon Husser Pucker Flight, A Short Story Several of us senior citizens were having our 70 coffee at McDonalds the other day when I brought up the subject of Crescent Lake air strip. These dirt/blacktop air strips need to be maintained or they rapidly go back to nature. Crescent Lake suffered damage from freezing & cracking and is now closed, while Fall River and LaPine have trees growing up in the strips. It would be a shame to lose more of them! But, to get on with my story Back in the 80 s, Marilyn and I flew into Crescent Lake in our BC -12D for the excellent broasted chicken served at the tavern across Hwy 58 from the air strip. Crescent Lake had about 600 of pavement at the south end and the rest was dirt. I don t remember the landing so it must not have been too traumatic, at least no more than usual. After our chicken lunch, which was really good, we went back to the T-Craft and checked it out to make sure it was as we had left it. I climbed into the left seat and Marilyn hand-propped it. The little 65-Continental started on the first pull after the switch was turned on, Marilyn got in and we looked down the almost 4000 runway. We were at 4800 elevation and the temperature had risen a little, but not real hot. We Broasted Chicken climbed about 15 AGL and seemed to think that was all the altitude we needed. Luckily the Southern Pacific railroad came close to the north end of the runway so we side stepped over to the left a little bit and flew down the RR right of way to Odell Lake. I moved to the right over the lake and flew its entire 6 mile length gaining only a little altitude from the time we had taken off. A little past the lake was Salt Creek Falls, with a drop of 180 to the canyon below, so finally we had some altitude and a downhill run over Salt Creek, to the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, into the valley and then home. We ve had many fun adventures in our T-Crafts (N95223 and N96037), as well as a few misadventures! ran it up and it was running fine (no mixture control). I pushed the throttle in til it stopped and we were off in short order. The T-craft 3
Aerial photo taken by Jim Hubele on day of the Independence Fly-In, August 15th, 2015 OACAC Attendance at Oregon Fly-Ins Was Impressive. by Marilyn Husser We were pleased to see so many of the OACAC members show up at all or part of the Independence Fly-In (August 14th-15th) along with the Stinson SR-5. There were 15 club members airplanes on display and 53 club members that I had a chance to talk with. Not as many of our Club made it to Roseburg on July 18th, but those who did had a great breakfast and displayed their planes with the prop sleeves blowing in the breeze. Jon and I were not able to make it to Hood River (September 11-12) due to conflicts, but heard that our Club was well represented. What a great show of support for the organizers of the various Fly-Ins in Oregon!! Pictures taken by Pete Melin at the 2015 Independence Fly-In Lee Borchers 1947 Luscombe 8E-C85 Lynn McDonald s Osprey completed in 2015 Robin Reid s 1929 Monocoach built by Mono Aircraft Corp. 4
(continued from p.2) MEMBERSHIP 100 paid memberships 5 paid advertisers Elections Report The slate of candidates presented to the general membership at the Annual Meeting in July resulted in a unanimous vote in favor of the entire slate. These Advisory Board Members will begin their 2016-17 term on January 1, 2016. **Please note that the position of Secretary is still vacant. There is a place for you. President: Mark Baxter Vice President: Andy Harris Treasurer: Bev Clark, continuing Secretary: **Open** Directors: Dorothy Austin (continuing) Daniel Cathey (continuing) Gary Ludeke (continuing) John Sedey (continuing) Bill Dewey Jon Husser (emeritus) that way. I was lucky to have him serve as Vice- President during my term as President of OACAC. Whatever he undertook, I could count on a very well planned and executed result. Before and long after his term as President he was very focused on the club and the right way it should operate. We all knew when the organization had strayed from its governing document. When changes to that document or other planning issues were discussed, we could count on Hal to have one of the few well thought out comments, suggestions or admonitions. He taught us that paying dues and showing up was not enough. We need to constantly look to the wellbeing of OACAC. Hopefully we will someday know the cause of the tragic event of September 7, 2015 and be able to benefit from what it can teach us. WHERE WERE WE? Last issue s photo was taken as we landed at Joseph State airport after skirting the weather between Nampa and Joseph on the 2008 OR Air Tour. See if you can recognize the one below. Where was it taken? When was it taken? WELCOME to New MEMBERS - Robin Reid Independence OR - Jon Borchers Independence OR 5
Advisory Board Meeting Minutes 8-16-15 Independence Attendees: Dorothy Austin, Mark Baxter, Bev Clark, Bill & Diane Dewey, Jon & Marilyn Husser, Gary Ludeke and John Sedey. Daniel Cathey was unable to attend, but sent his suggestions via e-mail. NEW DIRECTORIES Topic: 2016 AIR TOUR Mark wanted to get an early start planning the 2016 Air Tour, so he organized this meeting following the Independence Fly-In. We met at the Starduster s outside tables. Decisions that were made: Change the date of the Annual Meeting in Cottage Grove to July 9 th. This is one week earlier than the date listed in the green 2014 OACAC Directory (the 16 th ). Start the Air Tour on Sunday July 10 th by flying to McMinnville. Bev Clark will be the site coordinator. Monday July 11 th, fly to Hood River for a two night stay (11 th & 12 th ). Bill & Diane Dewey will be the site coordinators. Scheduled for printing July 1, 2016 Be sure your information is correct Check the green 2014 directory Notify me of any changes or corrections Thank you! Marilyn Husser 503-910-7238 or mhusser@minetfiber.com Wednesday July 13 th, fly to Scappoose. Jon & Marilyn Husser will be the site coordinators, with input from John Sedey. Thursday July 14 th, fly to Port Townsend. Mark Baxter will be the site coordinator. There was a lot of discussion, with pros and cons, prior to making these decisions. Other ideas discussed: Meeting adjourned at 11:30 am. Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Husser Following adjournment, it was determined that Mark would check on the availability of Albany s FBO for our October 17 th OACAC Quarterly Meeting. More on that later. Mark will work with our new VP, Andy Harris, to organize the Annual Meeting. He is hoping to get a special deal going with the Village Green like we had in 2008. Also, Mark would like to get Eric Preston as a speaker for the Annual Meeting. Eric is the author of Vintage Flyers Guidebook. Need to personally invite OACAC members with antique aircraft to go on all or part of the 2016 Air Tour. 6
TREASURER S 3rd QUARTER REPORT by Bev Clark OACAC Annual Meeting Minutes, July 18, 2015 Cottage Grove Oregon Aviation History Center President, Tim Talen called the meeting to order at 3:01PM. Introduction of new people follow ed. Tim announced that the Museum had sent a Thank You note for the club donation of $1500. The donation was specifically for work to continue on the Great Lakes project, a generous boost. He announced that great progress has been made on that restoration project. Old Business: Beginning Balance: $3487.22 Income: 393.75 Expenses: 565.01 Ending Balance $3315.96 Treasurer s Report. Bev Clark reported a beginning balance this quarter of $4910.00. Income: from dues and merchandise was $265. Expenses: $1687.94 (Donation to Great Lakes Project was$1500, the rest was for advertising posters and the July Antiquer). New Balance: $3487.26 Reminders: The Air Tour is coming up in 2016, stops TBA The Independence 2015 Fly-In will be August 14 th -16 th (2nd of OACAC recommended Fly- Outs) Central Oregon Fly-in is also in August, the following weekend. NEW BUSINESS: Election of Officers completed. New, or returning officers/directors are: President: Mark Baxter V.P. Andy Harris Secretary: Position still open Directors: Dorothy Austin, Daniel Cathey, Bill Dewey, Jon Husser (emeritus), Gary Ludeke and John Sedey Planning for 2016 Air Tour: Mark Baxter will be in charge. A meeting of the Advisory Board will be called prior to the October Meeting to discuss this further. PROGRAM: The program featured num erous antique aircraft. Our speaker, Robin Reid, grew up in a flying family. His mother operated an FBO in San Jose CA. He had many opportunities to fly unusual, sometimes one of a kind, airplanes. He mentioned dedicated people like Frank Schelling who spent 30 years restoring an old Jenny at Sonoma, CA Airport. Robin soloed on his 16 th birthday in a J-3 Cub, which is still in the family. At 13, he managed to get inside a Lockheed Vega and was surprised when he got to take a ride in it! Robin was fortunate to be able to fly numerous antique aircraft, and he gained much knowledge and experience in that way. He has made flying his career. Respectfully submitted, Trish Hanna, secretary LebanonAir FBO is for sale. July 18 th : 160 people were served breakfast in Roseburg during the Roseburg car show and antique aircraft event. This was the first of the proposed OACAC Fly-Outs to support other Fly-Ins around the state. The Stinson was exhibited there. Many from Grants Pass came to see the Stinson. Wings and wheels event in Cottage Grove on June 27 th was poorly attended due to very hot weather. 7
NAME BADGE ORDER Send badge(s) to name: Street : City, State, Zip: Print in block letters as you want it to appear on the badge. First Badge Second Badge Send $10 per badge to OACAC, PO Box 423, Independence OR 97351-0423 APPLICATION FOR OACAC MEMBERSHIP Mail to OACAC, PO Box 423, Independence OR 97351-0423 Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone, Home: Email: Plane Make, Model & N Number: Annual Dues $15 New Renewal Oregon Antique & Classic Aircraft Club 742 Aeronca St. Independence, OR 97351-9563 The Oregon Antiquer