78J – The transponder has been repaired and apparently this also took care of the static in the radio. The power supply for the rotating beacon was replaced. Roger Bolton purchased a new tow-bar for 78J. The battery will be replaced when the annual is done in March.

09H – Annual will be done in February. No other squawks.

57N – Annual will be done in April. No squawks.

Roger also purchased two new extension cords primarily for oil pan heaters (one for each hanger) for club use.

The board approved the purchase of a new tow-bar for 78J and the purchase of two extension cords with one to be used in each hanger. The board approved a request from Mark Doerr that the 182’s have a weight and balance check done with the back seats taken out so members could use them for camping trips, etc. This will be done during the annuals. Rex LaGrone has purchased Dave Shotwell’s membership. The board asked Dick Shotwell to gather some information on the purchase of a hand-held GPS.

Dick Shotwell presented a report on several different makes and models of GPS. After researching the issue Dick recommends that the club consider the purchase of a Garmin GPS III for approximately $853.00. The GPS would be a hand-held type that could be mounted on the yoke. It would be housed in the Mooney, but could be used in the other planes. Discussion followed regarding the pros and cons of hand-held vs. panel mount,. Dick recommends a hand-held at this time, as the price of panel mounts is likely to come down in the future. Terry Dolan recommended wiring the planes to accommodate a hand-held to reduce the amount of wires strung across the panel. Brian Fortuin suggested we think about dedicating the GPS strictly to the Mooney and not have it available for the other planes. Jack asked that a ballot be included in the next bill so the membership could vote yes/no on the purchase of a GPS. Kathy will include a ballot with each bill.

Terry Dolan presented members present with an updated membership list and stats page. Terry then presented a program on cold weather survival kits.

One of our own recently lost his beloved wife. Del VanOrden’s wife, Pat, died unexpectedly and I am sure Del knows he has the heartfelt sympathy of everyone in the club. The club should do whatever necessary to ease Del’s burden.