Wayne Deckard: At the last meeting we had a sign-up for our IFR ground training. Seven people showed up on Thursday evening for the course, which was very good considering the weather. This course has 40 hours of video to watch. The course will be Tuesdays and Thursday at 6 p.m., two hours each night. It has some good common sense flying knowledge that will benefit all pilots, not just those pursuing an instrument rating.

At the last club meeting we had a discussion about forming a committee for the open house. Only two have signed up so far.

Michael Mossman: The Aviation Association of Indiana is circulating a petition for an Indiana license plate. If they get it the proceeds from the plate will go to the association, which is a lobbying group that is trying to promote aviation in Indiana. The plate has a picture of a biplane on in, and the words "Flying is Freedom.' They need 500 signtures to get considered. They can't accept faxes, emails or copies of the petition; they need the original signed petitions. Please consider signing; I'll forward it on to the Davidsons, who are spearheading the drive.

Michael Mossman: I would like to start planning more activities for the club this year. Charles Westerfield and Chuck Leucht are working on some Poker Runs for this spring, with the first to be in March or April. It will be close enough in that almost everyone can participate, from the ultralights and Cubs on up.

I would like for us to host another club evening like the Dog Roast we had last spring. It didn't cost the treasury any money and it was a load of fun. Perhaps sometime in late April or May would work.

I would also like to start planning on a fly-out schedule so that more people can participate. I heard a lot of people who would like to have gone with us but couldn't get in on an impromput trip. I'd like to have a monthly schedule of short hops to restaurants about 50 miles out, like Elwood and Greencastle, so the Champs and Cubs can join us. I'd also like to plan on some places a bit further out, like the $100 hamburger runs. Those will take more coordination so the folks who can't fly can get a ride. I would like to come up with a list of fly-ins that we'd like to attend as a group.

Finally, I want to plan on some overnight trips, like a flying camp-out. I spoke with the Davidsons at Lee Bottom Field, and they are very excited about hosting us. They have camping, restrooms and shower, cabin, and can make food runs or take us to a restaurant if we want. We won't be too laden with supplies. It's less than an hour and a half in a Cessna 150, so it's not too far.

Wayne Deckard: I'd like to see us go to Put In Bay, Ohio, but you need hotel reservations six months in advance.

Mike Jackson: If you want to go to French Lick, Paoli is a good place to land, as they have nice facilities and a crew car.

Michael Mossman: The hotel at French Lick will send a van to French Lick airport if you are staying.

Wayne Deckard: We need to keep on top of the snow removal so the runway stays clear. Chad Williams will be returning on Sunday.

March is almost here so we'll have more good weather on the way.

No Financial Report

Roy Dawes: Do we want to buy a new battery charger? I can get a large 12/24 volt charger for $400.

Michael Mossman; Do we want to buy an engine heater for the club to use, like a Red Dragon?

Chuck Leucht: We need to watch our finances because we'll have some runway repairs due this spring.

Wayne Deckard: We will need to do some serious repairs to the runway. Cold weather and refreeze will further damage the runway. We will need to get some estimates for repairs.

Roy Dawes; We will need to use highway grade concrete.

Wayne Deckard: If we cover the lights when plowing snow we can declare the field open for Day VFR only for up to 30 days. Just call 800-WX-BRIEF to open or close the field.

Wayne Deckard: If you pump gas from the south pump when the temperature is below 30 degrees, wait to pump until it rotates. Otherwise the pins inside will shear. It's easy to fix but it takes a couple of hours to do.

Chuck Leucht motioned that the club start the meetings with a Pledge of Allegiance; Gary Rogers seconded. All voted in favor. Motion passed. Chuck Leucht will get a flag for inside the operations building.

After the above business discussions the members present watched a safety video on in-flight emergencies.

The meeting was concluded.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Michael Mossman, Association Secretary