June 2008 Minutes
Eximious Flying Club
Executive Board/General Membership
Meeting Minutes
Main Terminal Building, 2nd Floor, DET
June 2, 2008
President, Howard Riley, called the meeting to order at approximately 6:35 PM. Introductions were made (everyone already knew everyone else).
Secretary, Larry Haggart, offered to read the minutes, but the reading was waived and the minutes were accepted as submitted with only one small correction to the spelling of a potential new member’s name (Duncan Currie).
Treasurer, John Walch, made his report (see separate attachment). Due to the fuel cost increase, it was agreed that, effective June 15, the flying time rate will increase from $83/hour to $85/hour. Originally, John thought we could forestall the increase in flying time, but after further consideration, the Board agreed that a $2.00 increase would be prudent. The fuel budget was increased to an average of $4.50/gallon after averaging $4.50 in April and an expected average of even higher in May.
Member at Large, Jim Lawlis, reported that three members had debt that has crept up to the $435-$699 range. He will be contacting these members to ascertain their intentions. All other members are current and in good standing with the Club. There are about 2-3 potential new members that have asked for information. And Louis Rich has indicated that he may be interested in selling his membership.
In reference to the Vice President’s report, Howard Riley explained that new member Allen James is considering the position of Secretary, to replace Larry Haggart and free him up to become VP, but may need to travel quite a bit in his new job. So, he is getting acclimated before making a decision about whether he could serve as Secretary. If anyone else is interested in the position, please let Howard know. In the meantime, the other Board members, with the help of Pat Gossman, Eric Stauffer, and Rich Hohm, are filling in to cover the VP’s responsibilities.
Pat reported that he still hasn’t received responses from all members on the flight data he asked for, but that he received extra information from Jim Lawlis and was able to supply the insurance companies with enough to request quotations, which were due Wednesday following the meeting. In the meantime, the quotes have come in and Avemco offered the best value (better coverage, fewer restrictions, and a lower cost). So, we’ve decided to go with Avemco.
Art Miller, Operations Officer, reported on the fuel prices in the area. Some of the more popular sources are: Royal Air at $4.79, FuelStop at $4.86, VLL at $5.76, and good old Signature DET at $8.04 (wow).
Bill Ruffelson (sp?) formerly of Phoenix Aviation has 2 jacks, a bomb tester, and timer tester for lasar ignitions for sale at good prices. Art is looking into these items to determine whether it would make sense for the Club to invest in anything.
Art also expressed his dismay about not being informed of squawks on the airplanes in a timely manner. Please make sure that any equipment concerns are communicated to BOTH the plane captain and Art from now on via phone or email. He is preparing for the annual inspection for 67F and needs every single squawk to help plan the annual, so that the cost will be kept down as much as possible. 90B’s annual is due in August. Anyone interested in helping with the annual, please contact Art. Bill Ruffelson will be doing the annual and, if Club members pitch in and help by opening inspection ports, etc. it will help us save on the cost of the annual, because Bill will not have to do all the wrenching himself.
Contrary to an earlier agreement to leave the wheel pants off both planes to make it easier to maintain tires, the rising fuel costs have convinced the Board to reverse that decision and put the wheel pants back on for better fuel consumption/performance. This means that everyone will have to make an extra effort to monitor the tires, however, and keep them inflated, even though it may be a little more difficult to do so.
Art also mentioned that AVWeb puts out very good articles twice a week, if anyone is interested in subscribing. Go to avweb.com for more information.
Old Business
The mandatory ground school/safety seminar was held and 15 members were present. 5 more are planning to attend the makeup session on June 3. Anyone that does not attend will need to contact one of the Club-approved instructors for an update, before they can be considered current for flying.
After considering several alternate venues for our monthly meetings, it was decided that the next meeting will be held at Comos Restaurant in Ferndale on 9 Mile and Woodward. Larry Haggart agreed to check on whether reservations will be necessary or not.
The avionics upgrade is being put on hold until after the annuals are completed to learn whether there are any unusual costs to be paid before investing in the new equipment. We will check on available funds right after the annuals are completed and resume the upgrade process at that time.
New Business
No new business was brought to the floor.
Our next meeting will be held at 6:30PM on July 7, 2008 at Comos Restaurant in Ferndale.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00PM.
Respectively submitted,
Larry Haggart
Secretary
