I am sure all of us are glad 2020 is behind us. Although it will probably be mid year before we are all back to some semblance of normalcy. I am definitely looking forward to meeting you all once again in person.

I would like to welcome the new members that joined us last year: J Faigant Rick Farrell Bill Hinton Gary Jamieson (was a member previously in 2015) David Karalunas (was a member previously in 2017) Asia McKnight Scott McEwen Martin Rhett Paul Rupple Scott Selzer (was a member previously in 2018) John Tomsic Kristina Votaw Steve Willis

Where ever you are in your aviation journey, I am glad you have decided to be part of ours. Aviation is why we get together but it really is about the people, aviation people are the best and I am looking forward to learning your story.

The board of directors is always looking for ideas for meetings and what the members are interested in. You can email me directly with ideas or suggestions.

Regards Tom Lawhorn Chapter president tomlawhorn@gci.net

Where: Zoom meeting

The board of directors meeting will be Wednesday January 6th at 7:pm via zoom. As usual all chapter members are welcome to attend.

To attend click on the link below

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8801258062?pwd=TEJGZUJzbTRkMVZKcXY0SWJyUFE2UT09

Meeting ID: 880 125 8062 Password 926333

We’ll see you there.

Where: Zoom meeting

It has been suggested that we have more than just one gathering a month since we are doing it virtually. I am at that point in the Glastar build that I need order the instrument panel and need to make some decisions. I will be soliciting advice on what would be your ideal panel, on a budget. I know it is easy to spend more than $50,000. on a panel. My goal is less than $25,000. Bring your ideas for a day VFR panel and help spend my $.

This Tuesday at 7pm

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8801258062?pwd=c0pBS3UvMXUvT0wzc1hSNUJVNEJJZz09

Meeting ID: 880 125 8062 Passcode: 923966

See you then. Tom Lawhorn Chapter president

The chapter has a set of scales that chapter members can use to weigh there aircraft. Since we no longer have an FBO that is paying to keep the scales certified, the board has decided to charge a small fee for the use of the scales to offset the biannual calibration/ certification cost. For chapter members the rental fee is $50. Non-chapter members can rent the scales for $100. Non-chapter members can join the chapter for $24. And then rent the scales for $50, saving $26.

We hope most people won’t mind the fee in order to have certified scales at our disposal.

Where: Webinars

EAA.ORG is hosting national hombuilders week. January 26-30 with free webinars all day each day. Be sure to go to the national website to see the available webinars and to register.

Saturday January 30th 2021

Where: Zoom

Join us for the regularly scheduled chapter meeting with Rob Stapleton co-hosting at the ACME Cub hangar showing all the different projects they are working on. With an update on the Airman’s Association Cub raffle airplane. At 7pm on Tuesday January 26th

Topic: Thomas Lawhorn's Zoom Meeting Time: Jan 26, 2021 07:00 PM Alaska

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87276461309?pwd=T3J0blZLeXBRWHhKa1dvTEIwcmJmUT09

Meeting ID: 872 7646 1309 Passcode: 109482

See you there!

Where: Zoom Meeting

Join us via Zoom for our monthly Board of Directors meeting. We will talk about aviation and maybe do some Chapter business. As always, all Chapter 42 members are invited and encouraged to Thomas Lawhorn is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Thomas Lawhorn's Zoom Meeting Time: Feb 3, 2021 07:00 PM Alaska

Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87117883843?pwd=cTJvSDVnK1RvRSt0YnpXL2xBck56QT09 ]

Meeting ID: 871 1788 3843 Passcode: 302285

Tom has his engine mounted and is starting to fit all the engine accessories. He's also making some cabin interior pieces. Looking good Tom!!

Where: Zoom Meeting

Please join us for a zoom presentation by Speaker John M. Dahlen

Alaska Airmen’s Association’s US/Russia Liaison

An audio-visual review of the Alaska Airmen’s Association’s 2019 VFR flight from Alaska to the Russian Far East will be presented. Plans currently underway for another flight this summer will also be discussed, including information on how to join the flight if you act quickly. The permit process and other documents required to complete such a flight, whether with a group or individually, will be introduced. Russia allows at least some U.S. experimental aircraft to operate in Russian airspace! This will be an info-packed ZOOM presentation about a unique bucket-list flight adventure that relatively few pilots in the world have ever completed … yet! Come join us Tuesday evening, February 23rd. Sign up A link to the Zoom webinar will be e-mailed to you for logging on. Abstract:​Brief on upcoming VFR group fly-out from Nome to Provideniya (270 nm), Chukotka, Russia. 4 days.

Chapter Zoom Meeting - Topic: Thomas Lawhorn's Zoom Meeting Time: Feb 23, 2021 07:00 PM Alaska

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89445747104?pwd=ODVyYjYzcnBVOUNRVHNWZ1NFRDR2dz09

Meeting ID: 894 4574 7104 Passcode: 443288

Where: Zoom Meeting

Join us via Zoom for our monthly Board of Directors meeting. We will talk about aviation and maybe do some Chapter business. As always, all Chapter 42 members are invited and encouraged to

Topic: Thomas Lawhorn's Zoom Meeting Time: Mar 3, 2021 07:00 PM Alaska

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8801258062?pwd=c0pBS3UvMXUvT0wzc1hSNUJVNEJJZz09

Meeting ID: 880 125 8062 Passcode: 923966

Where: Zoom Meeting

Chapter Zoom Meeting - Topic: Thomas Lawhorn's Zoom Meeting Time: Mar 23, 2021 07:00 PM Alaska

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89140178513?pwd=Z2w3d0FSSTFGdG1KS3ZaSm1BUzNwQT09

Meeting ID: 891 4017 8513 Passcode: 143386

EarthX FAA-Approved TSO-Certified Lithium Starter & Backup Batteries – Zoom Speaker: Reg Nicoson, Founder and CTO, EarthX Lithium Batteries

Bio: Reg Nicoson is the founder and chief technology officer at EarthX Lithium Batteries. He received an EE degree and worked for many years in corporate America in product development. Reg is very excited about advancements in technology and the benefits this achieves. EarthX is the first company in history to achieve an FAA approved 12V certified lithium battery, which also qualifies him as a top expert in the field of Lithium Iron Phosphate battery technology.

Abstract: The presentation is designed to help educate users on the pro’s and con’s of using a lithium battery in aircraft and to present facts vs. fiction on the topic. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions!

Join us for a chance to get honest technical information, and ask questions from the engineer involved.

Where: Zoom Meeting

We are hopeful this will be our last virtual meeting and can start in person meeting next month. This month I will give an update on my Glastar project, the engine is mounted and I am working on the millions of details associated with that. Ed White will also share where he is in completing his RV-4. Hope to see you there.

Join the Zoom Meeting

(https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8801258062?pwd=c0pBS3UvMXUvT0wzc1hSNUJVNEJJZz09)

Meeting ID: 880 125 8062 Passcode: 923966

Where: Zoom Meeting

Join us via Zoom for our monthly Board of Directors meeting. We will talk about aviation and maybe do some Chapter business. As always, all Chapter 42 members are invited and encouraged to attend. Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8801258062?pwd=c0pBS3UvMXUvT0wzc1hSNUJVNEJJZz09

Where: Palmer Fairgrounds and Palmer Airport

https://alaskaairmen.org/gathering/

Sunday May 9th 2021

Ed, Tom and Scott volunteered their time at the Great Aviation Gathering 2021

I'm saddened to report the passing of Gale Partch. Gale was our Chapter Vice President from January 2003 to January 2007 and built an RV-6. Chapter members helped him finish and get it flying some years back.

Where: Air Museum

How exciting! Our first in person meeting in over a year. I am happy to see old friends and make new ones. Please join us. Get up close and personal with the Huey (UH-1H) helicopter.

Chuck Hosack gave us an informative tour of the Museum's Huey tonight.

Where: Valdez

2021 Update https://www.valdezflyin.com/

Line up and wait. We're back in 2021.

Friends, neighbors, aviators, and enthusiasts. Following our forced canceling of the 2020 airshow, we're excited to announce the dates for the 2021 event. You'll notice it's on Memorial Day weekend, which will be several weeks later in the season. This means better flying weather, warmer weather, longer days, and more fans able to attend because of time off. The team is excited to see you this year, where we'll commit some aviation today in a big, Alaskan way. Save the date, and see you soon!

Sunday May 30th 2021

Where: Las Margaritas

We are back to meeting in person! Join us at Las Margaritas Mexican & Italian Restaurant at 541 W Dimond Blvd (on the north side of Dimond between Arctic and C Streets). When you walk in, turn left into the front room that is separated from the main dining area and we'll be on the right. So come, get your margarita and nachos and we will talk about aviation and maybe do some Chapter business. As always, all Chapter 42 members are invited and encouraged to attend.

As a new member to Chapter 42 I’d like to share our aircraft build.

My wife Sharon and I received our CarbonCub EX-3 kit September 2020. It arrived in a massive crate, 6’ tall, 3 ½’ deep, 21’ long, and 2,300#, containing everything needed except tools and final paint. We started immediately with an inventory and constructing useful aids such as the wing saw horses.

We live in Seward and are building in our garage. Being retired we can work 6 hour days. As snow birds going south each winter, we only have 6 months each year to build. The goal this summer is to complete the wings and tail feathers thru fabric. We’ll tackle the fuselage next summer.

It is a daunting yet enjoyable experience! We are getting much better at riveting – three types: bucked, pulled, and squeezed. Also getting equally good at removing bad rivets! Seeing the wings come together has been very satisfying. Lots yet to do but we love the process; tho certainly looking forward to that first flight.

Friends, Pioneers and Aviators:

This is an invitation and reminder of details on our upcoming Aviators and Pioneers of Alaska fly-out/drive-out to Fireweed (0AK8) near McCarthy set for June 17-21, 2021.

Directions for those coming over the road are in the attachments. Pilots, please announce intentions on 122.9 for landing at “Fireweed” which appears on FAA chart as (0AK8). Elevation is 1250 feet, packed gravel surface with 2000 feet between the orange cones marking the preferred northern end of the airstrip. Runways 01-19. Right traffic for 01. Unless otherwise instructed, park at the south end of the strip with nose pointed NW. For noise abatement on departures to the south on 19, turn left (east) toward the Kennicott River as soon as able. Call me if you plan to fly in and I will share more local information. See attached map for directions over the road.

For the ambitious, who have brought their planes or can bum a ride, we hope to have a work party improving Solo Creek on Park Service land about 30 air miles to the east on Saturday. In the alternative, you may join the work party of the Pioneers of Alaska installing panels publishing the biographies of those buried in the historic Kennicott Cemetery with the cooperation of the National Park Service.

The itinerary:

Thursday, June 17

A few early arrivals would be welcome to mow the grass, trim some brush and make sure we have firewood for the firepit.

Friday, June 18

0800 – 1400 Hosts Al Clayton and Ray Huot get Gladys the bus, picnic tables, BBQs and the buildings/systems up and running 1400 – 1800 Air boss Ray Huot helps inbound landing traffic park at Dave Felts ramp at his green hangar midfield and Ground boss Bob Waldron gets people and gear from strip to meadow for camping or other lodging 1800 – 1815 Safety briefing for optional Saturday mission to Solo Creek 1815 – 2200 Potluck dinner at fire-pit 2200 Lights out

Saturday, June 19

0700 – 0900 Pancake breakfast and picnic lunch preparation at the firepit/grill (Al will supply the pancake batter, potluck additions to the breakfast menu welcome) 0830 - 0845 Pancake flipping competition (pan only, no flippers allowed) 0900 – 0915 Additional instructions and flight plan briefing for work crew outbound to Solo Creek; discussion of Pioneer cemetery restoration and local historic attractions for those staying in McCarthy/Kennicott 0930 – 1030 Air boss controls outbound flights and shuttle between Fireweed and Solo.

1030 – 1530 volunteers at Solo trimming brush/trees and improving surface (bring work gloves/clothes, safety glasses and limb nippers) 1530 – 1730 Air boss controls return shuttle from Solo to Fireweed 1800 – 1815 IFFR/EAA42/C180 – C185 planning meeting at fire-pit for additional 2021 activities 1815 – 2400 Potluck dinner at fire-pit with tall tales, embellishments and outright lies

Sunday, June 20 (Official Summer Solstice at 7:31PM AK time)

0700 – 0900 Pancake breakfast and picnic lunch preparation at the firepit/grill (Al will supply the pancake batter, potluck additions to the breakfast menu welcome) 0830 - 0845 Pancake flipping competition (pan only, no flippers allowed) 0900 – 1500 Self-help tour of McCarthy/Kennicott mine and historic railroad features (vans available on the east side of walking bridge over Kennecott R. will take you to Mine buildings, etc.) With coordination with NPS, this might be the day for the official unveiling of the Kennicott Cemetery panels, with McCarthy panels installed Saturday. To be confirmed) 1500 - 2200 Pioneers of Alaska Summer Solstice party with initiation of honorary members and related ceremony (If you have them, bring your ice axes and crampons for the glacier crossing and inevitable rescue.)

Monday, June 21

0700 – 0900 Pancake breakfast and picnic lunch preparation at the firepit/grill (Al will supply the pancake batter, potluck additions to the breakfast menu welcome) 0830 - 0845 Pancake flipping competition (pan only, no flippers allowed) 0900 – 1500 Wind up, clean up, and depart the pattern.

Of Interest to Pilots on Floats:

Mike Collins of Cordova is the owner of the beautiful property with the grass strip which parallels the road at the west end of Long Lake, 20 miles west of my place at Fireweed Strip. He has kindly given permission for float planes involved in this effort to park at his two docks and the beach there at the west end of the lake near his cabins and the grass airstrip. Operations are at your own risk, of course. If you buzz us at Fireweed and radio us on 122.9, I am sure we will have someone on wheels who can come over, pick you up from the grass strip at Long Lake, so you can enjoy McCarthy and Kennicott with us, and shuttle you back in the evening so you can watch over your parked planes.

It would be great to know you are coming and I would appreciate an RSVP in advance of June 16th. Hit reply all so that Beth can help me keep track of the potential size of the group.

I may depart to set up Wednesday and then might be off the grid and unable to provide further local knowledge. Email, Call or text me at 9072501649 and let me know. If you do not want to camp, email me and I can provide several other options for accommodations at B&Bs and Lodges.

Look forward to seeing you there! Safe Travels. My cell phone sometimes works in McCarthy (907-250-1649).

Thanks, Al

Al Clayton - Alaska State Liaison Recreational Aviation Foundation (907) 276-2999 aclayton@theraf.org | theRAF.org https://theraf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/raf-email-logo-5.png The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, maintains, and creates airstrips for recreational access.

Where: Fireweed (0AK8) near McCarthy

This is an invitation and reminder of details on our upcoming Aviators and Pioneers of Alaska fly-out/drive-out to Fireweed (0AK8) near McCarthy set for June 17-21, 2021.

Directions for those coming over the road are in the attachments. Pilots, please announce intentions on 122.9 for landing at “Fireweed” which appears on FAA chart as (0AK8). Elevation is 1250 feet, packed gravel surface with 2000 feet between the orange cones marking the preferred northern end of the airstrip. Runways 01-19. Right traffic for 01. Unless otherwise instructed, park at the south end of the strip with nose pointed NW. For noise abatement on departures to the south on 19, turn left (east) toward the Kennicott River as soon as able. Call me if you plan to fly in and I will share more local information. See attached map for directions over the road.

For the ambitious, who have brought their planes or can bum a ride, we hope to have a work party improving Solo Creek on Park Service land about 30 air miles to the east on Saturday. In the alternative, you may join the work party of the Pioneers of Alaska installing panels publishing the biographies of those buried in the historic Kennicott Cemetery with the cooperation of the National Park Service.

(See the News section for more details, the full itinerary and contact information.)

Monday June 21st 2021

EAA Chapter 42 along with The Boys & Girls Club of Eagle River gave 14 Young Eagles flights today. Lots of smiles and each got to view the Knik Glacier from the air. Thanks to Ed White - our Young Eagles Coordinator, as well as Bernie Willis and Burke Wick for flying them. Scott McEwen, Tom Lawhorn, Chuck Hosack and Rick Henry helped out on the ground.

Where: Lars’ hangar - Birchwood airport

Lars is going to do a presentation on converting Citabria wings from wood to metal spars at his hangar at birchwood. When crossing the railroad tracks approaching the Birchwood airport, one can see it dead ahead: it is the very closest hangar to the track-crossing. The Green Hangar with doors at both the south side and north side. See you there!

Where: Las Margaritas

Join us at Las Margaritas Mexican & Italian Restaurant at 541 W Dimond Blvd (on the north side of Dimond between Arctic and C Streets). When you walk in, turn left into the front room that is separated from the main dining area and we'll be on the right. So come, get your margarita and nachos and we will talk about aviation and maybe do some Chapter business. As always, all Chapter 42 members are invited and encouraged to attend.

Where: Alaska Aviation Museum

Sunday July 18, 2021 10am - 4pm

Join the Alaska Aviation Museum’s Annual Fly-By Festival & Enjoy Our Flyby Show Featuring Vintage Aircraft Flying over the Beautiful Lake Hood.

We will have music, food trucks and beer & Wine.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids over the age of 6 years; Purchase a membership at the festival and you will get in for free!

Current Members get one complimentary ticket!

If you are interested in doing a fly-by, contact Phyllis Kilgore director@alaskaairmuseum.org or call 907-248-5325

Where: Oshkosh, WI

The big Airshow is being planned for 2021.

https://www.eaa.org/airventure

Sunday August 1st 2021

I just wanted let everyone know how easy it is rent the chapter scales. I contacted Mark Barker who is the caretaker of the scales to arrange pickup. The payment is super easy. On the website under membership join/ renew, there is a category for scale rental via paypal. There is a Glastar I did a pre-buy inspection on that was built as a tricycle gear, and converted to tail wheel and no weight and balance was done. Since I don’t have the nose gear to know how much weight to subtract, I need to weigh the aircraft and do a new weight and balance.

Tom Lawhorn

There will be no Chapter Meeting in July due to Oshkosh AirVenture

Where: Las Margaritas

Join us at Las Margaritas Mexican & Italian Restaurant at 541 W Dimond Blvd (on the north side of Dimond between Arctic and C Streets). When you walk in, turn left into the front room that is separated from the main dining area and we'll be on the right. So come, get your margarita and nachos and we will talk about aviation and maybe do some Chapter business. As always, all Chapter 42 members are invited and encouraged to attend.

Where: Alaska Airmen's Association

We will be flying Young Eagles in cooperation with the Alaska Airmen's Association at Lake Hood - both on floats and wheels. If you can help out either as pilot or on the ground, please contact Ed White at (907) 230-6332 or edww1@hotmail.com

Wow !!! What a day. A chapter 42 Young Eagles event, in cooperation with the Alaska Airmens Association aviation youth camp. Cliff Belleau and Burke Wick with their float planes, Bernie Willis and Edwin White flying on wheels, we flew 28 kids. It was a huge amount of work, Tom Lawhorn and Rick Henry as ground crew, Abby Austin, Alyssa Leier and all the airmen volunteers. It went off without a hitch. A GREAT DAY.

Where: Tom Lawhorn’s Glastar project.

It has been more than a year since we have last seen Tom’s project in person. 90% done, 90% to go. Getting down to instrument panel and the wiring. 3850 Westminster Way, anchorage 99508. On the east side of town. Stop by to critique the work, talk airplanes and maybe have a homemade chocolate chip cookie or 2.

Tonight Tom shared his progress on his beautiful Glastar project.
(And his homemade cookies were excellent!)

At yesterday’s chapter meeting people were interested in where I purchased some of the items for my Glastar.
The firewall pass-thru’s for the engine controls were purchased from Wicks Aircraft. Unfortunately they do not cary them anymore. The manufacturer is Doubletree Products , here is the link. Doubletree Products
The place I purchased the heat reflecting film and the special washers is Pegasus Racing. They also see AN fittings. Pegasus Racing The electronic ignition, valve covers, and intake flanges are made by SDS

Where: Las Margaritas

We are back to meeting in person! Join us at Las Margaritas Mexican & Italian Restaurant at 541 W Dimond Blvd (on the north side of Dimond between Arctic and C Streets). When you walk in, turn left into the front room that is separated from the main dining area and we'll be on the right. So come, get your margarita and nachos and we will talk about aviation and maybe do some Chapter business. As always, all Chapter 42 members are invited and encouraged to attend.