June 16: Oshkosh Preview of Rare, Vintage Aircraft Expected

Vintage aircraft enthusiasts are anticipating a veritable treasure trove of classics at AirVenture Oshkosh 2010. Among the pioneering aircraft scheduled to appear is an original Hamilton H-47 Metalplane, plus replicas of a 1909 Bleriot XI, Avions Caudron C.460, and five warbirds from World War I that will be a part of the week-long “Salute to Veterans” commemoration.

The Avions Caudron C.460 racer was completed in 2009 by Mark Lightsey and his colleagues at Aerocraftsman, Inc., along with recent graduates of the Wathen Aviation High School in Riverside, California, built the aircraft, which was funded by EAA President's Council member Tom Wathen. The sleek replica is the same size and design to the original, which flew for the first time in 1934. The only change is the engine, which is a Czech 260 hp LOM M337CE in place of the original 6-cylinder Renault Bengali.

Here is video of the C.460 in action [plane-to-plane shots from an Me-108!]

The one-of-a-kind Hamilton H-47 Metalplane returns to Oshkosh for the first time in 35 years. Recently purchased at auction by Seattle businessman Howard Wright III for $671,000, will appear at AirVenture as the only surviving airworthy version of 29 built. The 1929 aircraft underwent a three-year restoration that finished in 1975 and features a Pratt & Whitney Hornet engine. It won the Reserve Grand Champion Antique award during that year's EAA Fly-In, as well as other prestigious awards.

As more than one reader of our site might have realized, the webserf has a particular fondness for WWI aviation. I’ll be looking forward to the Vintage Aero Flying Museum display, with five World War I replicas, including four courtesy of Vintage Aero Flying Museum of Hudson, Colo. — a Fokker Dr.1 triplane, Fokker D.VII, Fokker D.VIII, and a 7/8-scale Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a. Additionally, a sampling of artifacts, including uniforms, decorations, and logbooks, from both sides of the war also will be displayed.

October 9, 2010: EAA 838 Monopoly Fundraiser

Save the date for October 9, 2010 for the Second Annual EAA Chapter 838 Monopoly™ Fundraiser at our museum! This is a fast-start Monopoly game with appetizers, beverages, prizes, raffles, silent auction and more. Take a ride on the Reading Railroad, set for a spell on Baltic Avenue, or stay in an expensive house on Boardwalk (“House? No, that’s a hotel…pay up!”).

If you have any questions send us an email! Thanks, we’ll see you in Jail! Er…at the Community Chest!

Get A Student into Aviation through the Explorers!

If you know of a high school student with an interest in aviation, let them know about Explorers Post 218. Print out our information (or forward the link!) and pass it along. After all, the best advertisement is word-of-mouth!

As an Explorer, these students will be joining an outstanding program. We give the leadership experience to plan and follow through on their schedule with adult assistance. This is the next step in leadership from Scout Troops where the adult leadership still runs the program. The Explorers welcome young men and women and offer the chance to become truly outstanding young adults.

A number of our Explorers go on to Military Academies (such as the Air Force Academy, Annapolis, and West Point). Explorer member Jim Baker just graduated this year, and we more Explorers in the pipeline! Many others go to colleges and universities across the country, often benefiting from our scholarship opportunities. One example is Justin Horvath, a regular Young Eagles volunteer, who won a $3,000 scholarship this past summer (more details on this program will be in the next issue of Contact, the 838 newsletter).

Explorers have unique volunteer opportunities at the annual Airventure Fly-in and Convention in Oshkosh. Whether it’s the experience of having adults rely on their judgement…or simply being there to give Harrison Ford a hand after he lands, Explorers will find these priceless experiences.

If you’re an adult interested in working with the Explorer Post, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Ken Sack, Carolyn Heifner, and Marla Smith

Ongoing: 838 Cell Phone Drive

Chapter 838 is holding a cell phone collection drive to raise funds to purchase new projector for the classroom. We ask your help, but there’s no products to sell or doors to knock on. Just bring in any old cellphones you have at home (most people have a couple!). If you know of any businesses distributing cellphones to their employees, see if they have old cellphones they could donate as well. We have a box set up at the chapter house for donations…and yes, it’s tax deductible. See the May 2006 newsletter for more information.

Personal Email Accounts

Get your own eaa838.org email address! We have personal email accounts available for an annual $5.00 donation. This is for members and their families only.