EAA Chapter 1327

April 1, 2010

UNV

Ron Bowman presiding

Dave Dix, Treasurer, reported 31 members, and $2,255.41 in our bank.

Events: 5/15 will be International Learn to Fly Day, 3’d or 4’th Saturday in July or August will be Aviation Awareness Day at UNV per Malcolm Morrison, our Ski Fest will become an annual event, and we’ll meet at Centre Airpark this May.

John Corneal gave a wonderful talk with slides of his most recent humanitarian efforts, flying supplies to Haiti in his Mooney after their earthquake this February and March. It was organized by a 5-6 year old group he has worked with on similar missions, Bahamian Habitat. Their staff of 10 organized, coordinated, and managed the volunteers and their “fleet” of 135 planes of every size and type..

Ft. Lauderdale was the US base, and John made several one day, 7 flight hour shuttles to Nassau, Provo, then various grass strips in Haiti with his 400#+ payload of food and medical supplies. He also took medical personnel and volunteers down, and brought others back, along with some US bound patients. He would arise at 5am, T.O at 8, and return at midnight. John made a total of 5 trips, over 50 flight hours. He carried a 26#, 6 man life raft, bought some fuel at cost and some at $7 per gallon, cash.

There was no version of our ATC, just use of common frequencies. No, it is not a flat island. Mountains tower to 8 or 9000 feet.

In all, the group transported 300,000 lbs. of supplies and 180 patients, medical staff, and volunteers. Sadly, they terminated their service as the Haitian government began to impose landing fees and import duties, and was discovered to be selling some of the supplies.

Need we add that John has every reason to be proud of his service.