Hear Ye!

October, 2001
No. 413

From the President,
Warren Barrick

General membership was held as usual on the second Tuesday, September 11th.
I believe that we all needed a chance to do "something" on this day of our
great national tragedy. I don't believe we should allow any terrorist to
deter us from our pursuits and the fruits of our American heritage. Our
government will deal with the terrorists in due time.

Joe Yalove and I agreed to postpone the raffle because we didn't anticipate
very good attendance. We were fooled, as almost 40 members showed up. The
raffle will be held as usual at our October 9th meeting.

Our featured speaker "Bob" Kuhn of Kuhn Consulting, Inc., presented a brief
but cogent discussion of websites and uses of a "domain name." A lively
question and answer period followed, more grist for the BOG's mill. Bob is
an avid electric modeler. He's a member and website manager of the
Propstoppers of Southern Delaware County and also a member of the Silent
Knights of Delaware. Thank you, Mr. Kuhn.

I announced at the meeting that members of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter
of the Tuskegee Airmen will grace our meeting and address the group in
Octrober. I urge all members to attend this meeting to hear from these
airmen and to share their WWII experiences. Guests are welcome. Don't miss
this opportunity to hear these gentlemen who are such an important part of
our history.

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PARK APPRECIATION FUN FLY

We began the day with a moment of silence for the victims of the terrorist
attack upon the United States.

After this solemn respite, the Valley Forge Signal Seekers did themselves
proud as they flew their models, entertained the spectators, "fed the
multitudes," and enjoyed ourselves in general. It was a wonderful day with
great weather and a lot of club members in attendance.

We had three "Candy Drops" with our intrepid Rom Boutin as pilot and Mike
Estock and John Bragitikos as bombardiers. They batted 1000 as they hit the
runway on all three attempts and made a lot of little children happy. Great
job guys!

We had stunning displays of unusual aircraft by Joe Weizer as he piloted his
infamous witch in a pre-Halloween fly-by and stirred our newly revived
patriotism with flights of Old Glory and Uncle Sam. Thanks, Joe.

Our instructors program, led by Joe Pasquini, flew many sorties with people
of all ages and genders participating. Joe, Bud Klopp, Gerry Keenan, Joe
Weizer and Steve Trabosh served as pilots, and Ed Snead, Walt Pierzchala,
Rom Boutin, Al Campana and John Bragitikos assisted the novices. This is
really becoming an extremely popular part of our fly-ins. It provides good
will and encourages a great deal of new participants in our wonderful
activity. Thanks to all!

Our "Warbird" pilots made spectacular flights: Bob Dolan and his highly
popular JU-87 Stuka, Dee Messina with his beautifully crafted Sea Fury, Joe
Yalove and his PT-19, and Rudy Forst with his 1/3 scale L-4. These large
aircraft are always a hit, and many people applauded the graceful maneuvers
of Bob and Dee as they simulated a "dog-fight."
Billy Jamison took up Mike Myers' autogyro and provided us with some wild
aerobatics with his Su-Du-Khoi. John Williamson's Lanier Extra with smoke
was a real crowd pleaser.

Many more pilots took to the skies with their aircraft and all were
wonderful, as we only had one mishap. From time to time, buzzards and
red-tailed hawks joined the show. Congratulations to everyone!

The food service was incredible! If we keep this up we'll have to
reorganize as a "chowder and marching society" or go into the catering
business. We sorely missed Jim Campana, who really started this food
madness, and we hope he recovers completely and soon from his back surgery.
He provided us with a list of things needed, and with the help of John Matt,
John Bragitikos and Pat Taggart, we took it from there.

Miles Bowman and Pat Taggart brought us their gas grills. Alex Primas
provided us with the desserts. Tony Szczur gathered the liquid
refreshments. John Bragitikos and Pat Taggart manned the grills and kept
the food "rolling" from 12:30 until 2:30. Enormous amounts of food were
consumed.

Special thanks for the day go to Mike Estock who set up the physical stuff
needed and to Al Campana who carried the schedule in his back pocket and
kept things moving in good order. John Matt took care of the food
purchases, Walt Pierzchala brought us the hoagies, and John Bragitikos
provided the wonderful sausages.

Many, many thanks to all!!!

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NOTE OF THANKS

All Park Appreciation Day photos featured in October's Hear Ye! were taken
by Rick Bruce, who's working hard to perfect his aerial photography, as
well. We look forward to seeing his work in future issues.

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WINGS FIELD VINTAGE AIRCRAFT DAY

VFSS, as usual, did itself proud at Wings Field on September 8th. Many
members were present to see the vast display of vintage aircraft. Several
members with scale models displayed them in Hangar I.

Alex Primas brought his beautiful Stearman, which is powered by a 7-cylinder
Technopower 4 stroke engine. Dan Natale had his gorgeously crafted Stinson
SR9 which he built from a Top-Flite kit. Three members had different
renditions of the ever popular P-51: Tony Demark, Art Rothstein and Rudy
Forst. Mike Myers brought his autogyro, a Stearman in naval livery, and a
Ryan Monoplane. Mike also provided photos of his aircraft in flight, which
is a nice touch for a static display. Warren Barrick showed a 1/3 scale
Spacewalker powered with a Saito 270 4 stroke.

Two featured aircraft which did not appear were a B-25 and a DC-3. All
other invited aircraft appeared, including everything from a massive Russian
single engine biplane, an Antonov An2, to a 1980 Varieze Canard Pusher .

Many immaculately groomed vintage cars made for a very enjoyable day of
"gawking." A genuine 1950's big band provided swing and dance music
throughout the day. Plan to attend next year.

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POTTSTOWN PILOTS' ASSOCIATION
BREAKFAST FLY-IN
by Dee Messina

Sunday morning at 7 A.M. was warm and still. Young Steve Trabosh and I made
our way to Limerick Airport. We were looking for breakfast!

When we arrived, Dan Natale was setting up. He picked a cool shady spot in
the grove and close to the action. PPA members came over and greeted us
warmly. I think our group is becoming a "thing" here!

Some of our club members displaying aircraft were Dan Natale, Rudy Forst,
Rob Caso, Alex Primas, Joe Weizer, Joe Yalove, Warren Barrick and myself.
We had 11 good-looking exhibits. As the crowd found us, we were bombarded
with questions. Who are we? Where is our field? How do I get involved? Who
can teach me? Can you come to my school? I directed many to our club
fun-fly on the 15th, so beware! In addition, some great stories were traded
with former military men. These guys own the real history. Take an
opportunity to "work the ropes" at any of our VFSS functions and expand your
knowledge. Boy! All this and breakfast too, for only 5 bucks! You can
also watch full-scale aircraft fly in and out. What a hobby!

Thanks to the guys who helped out and stood "guard duty" at the display area
(Gerry, Rudy, Steve, Mario, Warren, Rob, Dan) so that others could wander.
Special thanks to Joe Weizer for the "VFSS" signs.

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EIGHT PILOTS SOLO

Congratulations to the new pilots and thank you to the instructors for
donating their time and experience.

Pilot - Instructor
Aron Largen - Bob Suderman & Frank Butta
Rick Bailey - Jim Myers & Frank Butta
Pete Scott - Frank Butta
Andy Maraffa - Frank Butta
Mike Lasardo - Gerry Keenan
Robert Schaaf - Carl Sutton
Brent Gernert - Ron Strobel
Steve Cogdell - Bud Klopp

To all instructors, please call Joe Pasquini if you have time for a new
student.

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SEPTEMBER BOG MEETING VFSS
Submitted by Dee Messina, Secretary

September 4, 2001
At the field - 17 members present
Meeting under way at 6:40 pm by President Barrick

1. September format as follows: Wings Field Fly-In Saturday 9/8; Pottstown
Fly-In breakfast, 9/9; our club will provide a static model display at both
of these events.

2. Club meeting Tuesday, 9/11. BOG nominations will take place at this
time.

3. Park Appreciation Day Fun Fly Saturday, 9/15. All Park dignitaries and
their families are invited.

4. A Boy Scout encampment will take place in the Park on 10/19 through
10/21.

5. The club will further explore the flea market idea on a small scale. We
will try to set one up on a Saturday in November. This will be for our club
only, at the church. More information coming.

6. The midyear budget rundown shows the club to be financially sound.

7. Mike Estock will be Fun Fly Organizer. See him for any details. John
Bragitikos will cook. John Matt will be food editor. Miles Bowman will be
in charge of grill setup.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 due to rain.

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NEW BOG MEMBERS VOLUNTEER

The president requested members to volunteer instead of going through
nomination/election procedure at the general membership meeting. Eight
members volunteered, and 2 more will be sought at the October meeting.
Thanks to the following for offering their services to the BOG and VFSS.

Frank Butta
Tris Colket
Rudy Forst
John Matt
Alex Primas
Pat Taggart
Steve Trabosh
Joe Varallo

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TOOL RAFFLE RESCHEDULED
By Joe Yalove

Due to the tragedy on September 11th, the September raffle was postponed
until the October meeting. Prizes were described in the September Hear Ye!
Here is a summary:

1. A Craftsman all-metal, 4-drawer mobile tool cabinet with key lock,
compartmentalized top. (No home delivery.)

2. A large set of Craftsman screwdrivers with wall holder.

3. A Ryobi 10-inch adjustable bench drill press.

4. A Dremel corded multipurpose hobby tool including a gaggle of
accessories.

5. A Ryobi 9.6 Volt battery-operated 3/8-inch drill.

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CLUB CALENDAR

Tuesday, October 2nd
BOG Meeting at the church at 7:00 P.M.

Friday-Sunday, October 5th-7th
Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Fly-In at New Garden Field,
Toughkenamon, PA (US-1, one exit south of Kennett Square). First EAA Fly-In
held near Philadelphia. Rare opportunity to get a close-up look at this
sector of sport aviation.

Tuesday, October 9th
General membership meeting at the church. Tuskegee Airmen to speak. Bring
guests.
. Completion of BOG nominations/election
. September's postponed Raffle to be conducted
. Show 'N' Tell

Friday-Sunday, October 19th-21st
Boy Scout Camporee in the Park.

Saturday, October 20th
VFSS flying demonstration and "buddy-box" flying for Scouts.

Tuesday, November 6th
BOG Meeting at the church at 7:00 P.M.

Tuesday, November 13th
General membership meeting at the church.

Feedback or comments to: Marilyn Ayres , HearYe editor
Michael Myers, Webmaster

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