January 28, 2012

President Al Lane called the meeting to order at Signature Aviation at Van Nuys Airport at 10:05 am. Present were board members Al Lane, Marv & Judy Rifkin, Yoni Boujo, Jim Barton, Mike Savage and Joel Kirschner. Also present were Fred Stewart, Jeanne Lane, Gunter Seibold, Wally Krause and David Snyder

Minutes: As previously agreed upon, the minutes of the December meeting were not read. Copies were available for those who had not read them through their email. The minutes were approved as corrected, to include Jeanne Lane as attending the December board meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: Yoni reported that there is $9029 in the treasury. He also reported that 23 people have not yet renewed for 2012. Most of them will be given “courtesy” calls to find out their intentions. There was a great deal of discussion about when application fees should be carried over as dues for the following year. Joel Kirschner moved that application fees paid in the 4th quarter carry over. Seconded by Jim Barton and passed.

Dinners: There were 31 in attendance at the last dinner meeting, and the Valley Inn set the tables differently to accommodate. However, they were late taking dinner orders and service was slow, so in the future, people will order when they pay, and they will be given chits to indicate their preference.

Sunshine: Judy reported that a card from Airventurers was sent to Brian Dixon. There will be a memorial service on Feb. 4th at the 94th Aero Squadron. Al Lane reported that Honorary member, Barry Schiff, was installed into the ranks of Living Legends of Aviation.

Website: Joel reported on the website. The video portion is set to go. His “guru” is working on a better photo gallery. He also asked for $150 to apply to web expenses and a $400 budget for the rest of the year. Yoni Boujo moved that we spend $150 to fix the gallery and some other problem areas and budget $400 for the balance of the year. The motion was seconded by Jim Barton, and approved.

Membership: Mark Cheer has completed all of his membership requirements, and his member-ship was approved by an email vote.

Fly-ins: Jay Hultman has the February Brunch fly-in to Santa Maria under control. Mike Savage is doing a Poker Run in March, and asked for input regarding entry fees and airports. Each participant will start with his home airport to pick up the first card, then fly to four more airports for additional cards, which will be in sealed envelopes. The event will terminate at Fox Field, where the envelopes will be opened, prizes for the best hands will be awarded, and we will have lunch. Marv Rifkin reported on the July fly-in, which will be to Carson City/Virginia City, and will include a train ride, theater party, perhaps a mine tour, and a visit to the Nevada State Museum. A couple of possible extra activities are visits to Pt. Mugu and the Annenberg Estate in Palm Springs.

Speakers: The speaker for the February dinner meeting will be Bob Marks, an air traffic controller, and March will be Claudio Losacco and Joel Kirschner’s presentation about flying with the iPad.

Holiday Party: Marv Rifkin will continue to check on places for the 2012 party. Some suggestions are the 94th Aero Squadron, Braemar Country Club, Airtel, Mountaingate, the Castaways, Café Bizou, the new museum at Santa Monica airport, and Maggiano’s.

Additional Discussion: Several members have gotten new ratings, and Joel will take care of get-ting plaques for them. He would also like to get plaques for past presidents. This was tabled until he could furnish information on the cost involved. The subject of club jackets was raised, but no definitive action was taken. The subject of membership was also raised, specifically how to at-tract younger members. We need to be proactive about contacting them, and not wait for them to contact us. We also need to reach out to older pilots who have shown an interest but might need a bit more “wooing”. We need to continue to keep our own members who have sold their planes, interested by offering rides to fly-ins.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:10.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Rifkin, Co-Secretary

P.S. Since the winds were gale force, many adjourned to the 94th Aero Squadron for lunch. Marv Rifkin had a conversation with the manager, and we can have the downstairs room for our holiday party with a 50-person minimum on a Sunday night. They will hold it for us until March.

December 17, 2011

President Al Lane called the meeting to order at Signature Aviation at Van Nuys Airport at 10:00 am. Present were board members Al Lane, Marv & Judy Rifkin, Cliff Busick, Yoni Boujo, Claudio Losacco and Joel Kirschner. Also present were Fred Stewart, Don Eisenberg, Dan & Lorraine Simansky, Jeanne Lane and David Snyder

Minutes: As previously agreed upon, the minutes of the November meeting were not read. Copies were available for those who had not read them through their email. The minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Yoni reported that there is $7488.35 in the treasury.

Dinners: The Valley Inn is confirmed for Tuesday nights for the year. Marv Rifkin presented alternative arrangements for Billingsley’s and Café Bizou. All agreed that Café Bizou is preferable, although it has to be on a Thursday. Between email, the web site and the Flyer, changing the evening once in a while should not be a problem. As far as specific months for the city/valley locations, the location of the speaker should be considered.

Sunshine: Judy had nothing significant to report.

Safety: Safety Officer Claudio Losacco reported on changes to the ILS approach at OXR, He also talked about a Cirrus accident in AZ, where the pilot was asked to follow a Gulfstream ahead. Apparently, the Gulfstream remained on the runway longer than expected, so the Cirrus did S-turns on final, got low and slow, and pancaked in. Moral of the story – GO AROUND. You don’t need permission from the tower.

Website: Joel reported that the website is still a work in progress. Minutes and Flyers are archived, and he is ready to attack the video page. He is getting close to being able to have a meeting devoted to the web site and how to use it.

Membership: Darrell Shy is now an applicant, sponsored by Cliff Busick. He has credit for at-tending a dinner meeting and a fly-in. He still has to co-host one of each to fulfill membership requirements. Jay Hultman, sponsored by Don Eisenberg, has credit for attending one dinner meeting.

Fly-ins: The fly-in to San Francisco, hosted by Tony Samojen, has been moved to May 11-13 and the November fly-in, hosted by Joel Kirschner, will become a Mystery Fly-In. The June fly-in to San Luis Obispo, hosted by Gene Korney, will start a day earlier to be able to attend the street fair and farmer’s market.

Speakers: The speaker for the January dinner meeting will be Bill Koukourikos, February will be Bob Marks, an air traffic controller, and March will possibly be Bill Reed, who is involved with the early warning system at Pt. Mugu.

Old Business: 66 people attended the Holiday Party, although 68 paid, and we were charged for 68. Most of the comments were favorable, but there were some who thought we should not have an open bar, See’s candy, or entertainment. Some were unhappy with the food, and some unhappy with the service. Marv Rifkin has checked with the 94th Aero Squadron about having the party there in 2012, and presented a tentative menu and prices.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:20

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Rifkin, Co-Secretary

P.S. The Lanes, Simanskys, Rifkins, Yoni Boujo, Claudio Losacco, Don Eisenberg, Joel Kir-schner, Fred Stewart, and Cliff Busick went to the 94th Aero Squadron after the meeting to check out the room for the 2012 party. The downstairs has a minimum of 75 people, but the upstairs room with the adjacent, tented outdoor (with fireplace) room is available on a Friday or Sunday night. It is large enough for our group, and the price is approximately $40/per person, including tax and tip. We can bring in our own wine for $10/bottle corkage. They require a non-refundable $500 deposit, but will keep December 2nd (Sunday) open for us for a while.

November 19, 2011

 President Al Lane opened this meeting at Signature Aviation at Van Nuys Airport at 10:19 am.  Present were Board members Al Lane, Marv Rifkin, Bernie Harris, Cliff Busick, Jim Barton, Mike Savage and Joel Kirschner.  Also present were Judy Rifkin, Gunter Seibold, Fred Stewart, Don Eisenberg, Yoni Boujo, Wally Krause, Gene and Bonnie Barlowe.  Al presented several presidential remarks, the most pertinent being coordinating next year’s calendar with Lorraine Simansky to avoid conflicts with significant holidays, and consideration of how we should thank Signature for allowing us to use their facilities for our meetings.  The minutes of the October 22, 2011 board meeting were read by Bernie Harris.  The minutes were approved and accepted, with a few corrections.  Judy suggested that everyone read the minutes on the website prior to attending the board meeting, and that the minutes not be read at the meeting.  Joel moved to effect that suggestion, 2^nd by Mike and passed.

Treasurer’s Report:  Al reported, in the absence of Gene Korney, that we had $6,130.34 in our checking account, with $958.38 in PayPal, for a total of $7.088.72.  Reference is made to the handout.  Money has been allocated for the Holiday Party and for $196 due the Rifkins for the November dinner meeting.

Dinners:  The Holiday Party on December 3^rd will be our last dinner meeting of the year.

Sunshine:  Judy had nothing significant to report.

Safety:  With Claudio absent, there was nothing to report.

Website:  Joel and Judy noted that the website was still a work in progress.  Joel intends to post past minutes and Flyers on the website, and Bernie said he would provide Joel with past minutes that Joel requires, as much as they are available.

Membership:  Don and Judy identified two prospective applicants.  Al invited Bob Crystal as a prospective guest, but not as a comped guest.  However, we will comp his dinner if he applies for membership.  Joel suggested that we ask prospective members about their flying experiences.  Bernie discussed a prospective applicant that he might invite to the Holiday Party.  It was felt that Berkeley Brandt should get credit for hosting the rained out fly-in to Santa Paula, which completes his requirements for full membership.  Berkeley was voted in on motion by Marv Rifkin, 2^nd by Joel.

Fly-ins:  Reference is made to the handout.

Speakers:  Discussion of this matter was bypassed.

 Old Business:  A Holiday Party planning Sheet was handed out by Al, and a general discussion of details of arrangements ensued.  Jim moved to allow Judy to go over budget as necessary, 2^nd by Joel and passed.  Another handout by Al was of a proposed 2012 meeting schedule, coordinated with Lorraine Simansky.

Fly-ins Revisited:  Various proposals were brought up.  Al passed around yet another handout, this one being an extensive list of suggestions for fly-ins in the future and also possible fly-ins for next year. Specifics of many proposed fly-ins for 2012 were discussed, calendared and tentatively finalized.  Joel announced that the next Operation Gratitude will be on November 26^th at Van Nuys Airport, and as many as can make it should attend as a Club event.

New Business:  Judy recommended commendation to Claudio for doing a wonderful job on the October Flyer.  Mike Savage is now a Safety Team Coordinator.

The next Board meeting will be at Signature Aviation on December 17, 2011, a non-standard date due to the holidays, with lunch flying out to Fox Field afterwards, weather permitting.  The Fly out lunch today to Santa Ynez was cancelled due to weather, and several attendees were planning on going to the 94^th Aero Squadron instead.  The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Bernie Harris, Secretary

October 22, 2011

 President Al Lane opened this meeting at Signature Aviation at Van Nuys Airport at 10:08 am.  Present were Board members Al Lane, Marv Rifkin, Bernie Harris, Cliff Busick, Jim Barton and Joel Kirschner, .   Also present were Judy Rifkin, Gunter Seibold, Lorraine and Dan Simansky, Fred Stewart, Don Eisenberg, Michael and Sharon Landau, Phil Aune, Ken Coolidge, Wally Krause and Jay Hultman.  The minutes of the September 22, 2011 board meeting were read by Bernie Harris.  The minutes were approved and accepted.

Treasurer’s Report:  Al reported, in the absence of Gene Korney, that we had $5,990.34 in our checking account, with $890.71 in holding, for a total of $6,881.05.

Dinners:  Al said that we had a good turnout for our last dinner meeting, with 37 members and guests attending.   Our next dinner meeting will be on November 15^th at Valley Inn.

Sunshine:  It was Michael Landau’s birthday today.  All joined in in singing “Happy Birthday’ to him.

New Business (out of order):  Phil Aune talked about Operation Gratitude that needs volunteers to help prepare packets for troops and service people overseas.  They meet next on November 6^th, 9 am to 4:30 pm at the National Guard Armory at VNY.

Safety:  Al advised all about a TFR on Monday.  Obama is coming to town.

Website:  Joel said that various items are now posted on the website – the roster, pictures, and “Love to Fly” in the member’s file.  A video function is now available, a work in progress.

Membership:  Rick Blumenthal is a possible applicant, and Craig Newlands is a returning member

Fly-ins:  Al said that 11 people attended the October 8^th fly-in to Calico.  Jim Barton suggested that Al be reimbursed by the participants for his gas expense for his van, and made a motion to have that done, 2^nd by Joel.  After much discussion, the motion was voted down.  The fly-in date conflicted with a religious holiday observed by a number of members, which was an oversight, and avoidance in the future will be given more consideration.  Joel suggested that Lorraine Simansky monitor and coordinates this for future events and she agreed to do so.  Our next fly-in will be November 6^th to Santa Paula for its Open House, with Berkeley Brandt hosting.

Speakers:  Al discussed various prospects for future speakers.

 Old Business:  A proposed fee for attending the Holiday Party was brought up.  Joel suggested $50 per person to cover all expenses.  Lorraine felt that the Club should subsidize the Holiday Party, just as it subsidizes the Summer BBQ.  Marv moved to charge $40 per person, without drinks, but that there should be wine on the tables, with anything above and beyond to be subsidized by the Club.  Cliff 2^nd, and the motion passed.  Mike Savage is working on a program, and Joel will take care of the invitations.  Since the German American Club is not a restaurant, we will need to provide the hors d’oeuvres, along with the plates and utensils for this.  Gene Korney and Sylvia have done this in the past.  Judy volunteered to do it this year, but asked for help as well.  Don Eisenberg said that Al, as President, should be Chairman of a Party Arrangements Committee.  Gunter, Judy, Joel and Al all agreed to constitute that committee.  The annual dues for next year will remain at $70.  The Fly-ins for next year were revisited – Ken Coolidge suggested hosting an Albuquerque Balloon Festival Fly-in.  Al handed out a proposed listing of Fly-ins for 2012, and each month was discussed.  January – Death Valley overnighter with Palm Springs, and Mike, Jim, Al, Jay, Claudio and Joel were to look into that.  Judy suggested Tahoe in July.  The Balloon Festival was suggested for October.  The proposed calendar will be reviewed and revised as necessary.  On the slate of Officer Nominees, Joel was changed to Immediate Past President and Yoni will be Treasurer.  And it was suggested that dinners should be held in the Westside at least once or twice a year.

New Business:  Joel endorsed Operation Gratitude as a Airventurers event, with Saturday, October 26th as the next time with lunch afterwards.  Bernie asked if we should continue with his Airventurer ceramic airplane fines for those members not wearing Airventurer ID at meetings and dinners, and the consensus was that we should continue to do so.  Michael suggested discussing the Fly-ins earlier in the meeting.  Gunter suggested including one or two drinks per person at the Holiday Party to help the volunteer lady behind the bar, to relieve her from the need to handle money.  This will be considered by the Holiday Party Committee.  The committee for the fly-ins is to meet on Monday, October 24^th at 6:30 pm at Jerry’s Deli, 21857 Ventura Boulevard (at Tarzana).  Fly out lunch today at Santa Ynez.

The next Board meeting will be at Signature Aviation on November 19, 2011, with lunch flying out to Apple Valley afterwards, weather permitting.  The meeting was adjourned at 12:04 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Bernie Harris, Secretary

President Al Lane opened this meeting at Signature Aviation at Van Nuys Airport at 10:12 am. Present were Board members Al Lane, Bernie Harris, Cliff Busick, Claudio Losacco, Mike Savage and Joel Kirschner. Also present were Lorraine and Dan Simansky, Fred Stewart, Jeanne Lane, Don Eisenberg, and Art Wasserman, who came in late.
The minutes of the August 27, 2011 board meeting, taken by Lorraine Simansky, were read by Bernie Harris. The minutes were approved and accepted after revision of a sentence by motion of Claudio and 2nd by Mike.

Treasurer’s Report: Al reported, in the absence of Gene Korney, that we had $6,733 in our checking account, $746 in Pay-Pal, for a total of $7,479, of which $ 618 is in advanced payments.

Dinners: Joel said that a husband and wife team has been contacted for the October dinner meeting and will come if not IFR either way. If they are unable to come, then Joel and Claudio will do a presentation. The SMO show was cancelled. Joel passed out Airventurers stickers he had made for advertising Airventurers on hangar doors.

Sunshine: Nothing today.

Safety: Claudio advised all that, in stadium TFR’s, you must be 3000 feet agl or above if an event is going on, except if on flight following. The FAA is cracking down on this.

Website: Joel said that since we lost our webmaster, he has hired a new webmaster who designed a new website for us, out of his own funds. It should be an easy interface between the Club and the members. Joel spent $350, and Al feels that Joel should be reimbursed.

Membership: Jay Hultman needs a badge as an applicant.

Fly-ins: Mike Savage was commended by Al for formulating next year’s calendar with help from Claudio. Joel has 18 people flying to Grand Canyon. A discussion was held about the expense of the trip. Calico Days are all set, with 10 couples responding. Berkeley Brandt was suggested as a co-host for the November 6 Santa Paula Open House, which Mike Savage is hosting.

Nominees: A slate of nominees for officer positions for next year, as proposed by
the Nominating Committee, was presented by Al, according to the By-laws. They are: Al Lane, President; Marv Rifkin, Vice President; Joel Kirschner, Treasurer; Judy Rifkin, Secretary; Past President would ordinarily be Joel Kirschner, but if Joel becomes Treasurer, then Don Eisenberg may be considered as a temporary Past President appointee. The By-laws stipulate that four additional regular members to serve as Board members will be elected by the officers as soon as practical after the annual election.
Minutes of Airventurers Club Board Meeting – September 17, 2011– Page 2

Joel had to leave at 11:00 am, leaving the Board without a quorum. Al said that he responded to the concerns of a dissatisfied member.

Old Business: Santa Monica Airport Day was postponed.

New Business: Al presented a proposed calendar for 2012, which was gone over rather thoroughly by those present, and a tentative schedule for fly-ins was ultimately determined.

The next Board meeting will be at Signature Aviation on October 29, 2011, with lunch flying out to Santa Ynez afterwards, weather permitting. The meeting was adjourned at 12:27 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Bernie Harris, Secretary

August 27, 2011

The meeting was called to order at 10:04 a.m. by President Al Lane at Van Nuys Airport’s Signature Aviation.  Present were Board members Al Lane, Marv Rifkin, Gene Korney, Cliff Busick, Mike Savage, Jim Barton, and Claudio Losacco.  Also present were Lorraine Simansky, Dan Simansky and Gunter Seibold (both left for awhile and returned), Jeanne Lane, Fred Stewart, Wally Krause, Yoni Boujo (who left early), Don Eisenberg, and Sylvia Moskovitz.

 The minutes of the July 30, 2011 Board meeting were approved as read.

Dinner Meetings:  The September 20, October 18, and November 15 dinner meetings will be at the Valley Inn.  The December 3 Holiday Party at the German-American Club has been confirmed.

 Sunshine:  Nothing to report.

Safety:  Claudio Losacco had heard there was a ground loop at the Camarillo Air Show.  Al Lane explained what had happened.

 Website:  Nothing to report.

 Membership:  Al Lane reviewed the status of several applicants.  Chris Berke, Jay Hultman, Jerry Dickman, and Berkeley Brandt will remain as applicants.  Adkin will be removed as an applicant  since he does not seem interested.

 Fly-Ins:  It was felt the August 13^th  club picnic was well organized, and everyone seemed to enjoy it.  The September 24^th Grand Canyon fly-in has room for 2 couples.  A review of the October 8^th Calico Days fly-in was presented by Al Lane.  It is a one-day event, flying into Daggett, and being on the van by 10:00 a.m.  We will be back to the airport by 3:30 p.m.  The cost will be about $25.00 per person.  There will be more information on this fly-in in the next newsletter.  Mike Savage volunteered to host the November 6^th Santa Paula Open House fly-in.  Jim Barton suggested getting there early due to limited transient parking and the expectation of a large crowd.

 Treasurer’s Report:  Gene Korney reported we currently have $7,841.00 available to spend.

Speakers:  Al Lane passed out some information and briefed us on our September 20 dinner meeting speakers, a husband and wife team who live in Santa Maria and have given presentations to various aviation groups.  Their presentation to us will be geared toward ideas on how to present general aviation to non-aviation people.  They have indicated they would like to be reimbursed for their fuel to fly down, estimating it at $125-$200.  Motion by Cliff Busick, 2^nd by Claudio Losacco, to reimburse them for their fuel to get here and back, even rounding it up.  PASSED.  Don Eisenberg volunteered to pick them up if they fly into VNY.

Don Eisenberg facilitated having Charles Sternberg for our October 18^th dinner meeting.  He will talk about the Predator.

 Old Business:  There was a long discussion regarding the Camarillo Air Show during which Al Lane explained what led up to the cancellation of the pylon speed demonstration.  He also explained about  the problems that occurred during the air show as well as the history of the air show, including the fact that in recent years any profit went to providing scholarships.       

 The Rainey’s open house went well, and they accepted the Airventurers check.

Al Lane indicated he is still holding the letter of dissatisfaction because he doesn’t know what to do with it.

 New Business:  Claudio Losacco and Joel Kirschner will be attending the September 10^th SMO Airport Day.  Airventurers could have a booth with a banner, fliers, and possibly a display of club hats, jackets and shirts.  Motion by Claudio Losacco, 2^nd by Gene Korney, that Joel Kirschner be in charge of our booth and authorize up to $200.00 for expenses, not including the easy-up canopy.  PASSED.

During a short discussion on having a joint fly-in with the IFRSIMCLUB/VNYPROP and/or having Bob Crystal as a speaker, Claudio Losacco expressed concern that his purpose would be to push using his simulator.  TABLED.

We need to start scheduling fly-ins for next year.  Possible suggestions include:

            Palm Springs Follies                  Catalina BBQ                           Holiday Party

            Club BBQ                                Lone Pine Film Festival Santa Fe, New Mexico

            Death Valley in April                 San Diego                                San Luis Obispo

            Tucson                                     Midland, Texas, Air Show

At the September 17^th Board meeting, the Nominating Committee, consisting of the club officers, needs to present a slate of nominees for officers for next year.

 The next Board meeting is September 17, 2011, with a VFR fly-in to Palomar for lunch.

 Mike Savage passed out a form for us to list our favorite aviation songs that have lyrics.  This will be used at the Holiday Party.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorraine Simansky

Secretary Pro Tem

July 30, 2011

The meeting was called to order at 10:07 a.m. by President Al Lane at Van Nuys Airport’s Signature Aviation.  Present were Board members Al Lane, Marv Rifkin, Cliff Busick, Claudio Losacco, and Mike Savage.  Also present were Lorraine and Dan Simansky, Jeanne Lane, Judy Rifkin, Don Eisenberg, Fred Stewart, and Art Wasserman.

The minutes of the June 18, 2011 Board meeting were read and approved as corrected.

Treasurer’s Report:  In the absence of Gene Korney, Al Lane gave the treasurer’s report as follows:   cash on hand is $7,992.00; $800.00 advanced for September fly-in; $8,792.00 available to spend once more September fly-in money is collected.

Dinner Meetings:  September 20, October 18, and November 15 dinner meetings will be at the Valley Inn.

Sunshine:  Al Lane informed those present that Arnie Nelson had additional skin graft surgery on his foot.

Safety:  Claudio Losacco had nothing to report.  Fred Stewart mentioned an incident at Van Nuys Airport where the gear on a plane collapsed.

Website:  Judy Rifkin indicated she and Joel Kirschner have felt that the website is unwieldy.  Joel has been talking to someone regarding designing a new website.  Our current one has been updated.  Since there have been some issues regarding pictures on the website, Judy has done an on-line web album.

Membership:  Don Eisenberg proposed giving Jay Hultman and Brentt Nelson applications for membership.  Motion by Cliff Busick, 2^nd by Mike Savage to accept them as applicants.  PASSED.

Fly-Ins:  Al Lane mentioned he thought there would be a shortage of funds for the CampPendleton fly-in, so he collected an additional $5.00 per person.  However, after going over the figures following the fly-in, he discovered there was an overage, so refunds are in the mail.

Judy Rifkin indicated Joel Kirschner needs the entire amount now for the Grand Canyon fly-in.

Al Lane gave an update on the October 8 Calico Days fly-in.  Discussion followed regarding making this an overnight event with the possibility of touring a nearby train depot.  After Al  reminded us a suggestion was made to have more one day fly-ins, this one will remain a one-day event.

The November 6 Santa Paula Open House may not require any real coordination.

Speakers:  Al Lane noted that through connections he will try to get Steven W. Lindsey, commander of the last shuttle flight, as a potential speaker.  Don Eisenberg will give Al Lane the names of two potential speakers.

Old Business:  Don Eisenberg stated he got the letter openers for $15.50 each.  They are slightly different from the previous ones.  He also got the hats for $10.95 each.  Al Lane will verify that we have the German American Club reserved for the December 3 Holiday Party.

New Business:  The letter of dissatisfaction mentioned at a previous board meeting is being held by Al Lane.  Comments regarding this person were made by several people present.  Discussion washeld regarding how to make people feel welcome at our dinner meetings.  The suggestion was made to have name tags available on which a guest can write their name.  This will indicate they are a guest and not a member or applicant.  Judy Rifkin volunteered to make them with our logo.

Al Lane asked those present to take flyers regarding the Camarillo Air Show to post in various locations.  He also indicated volunteers are still needed.  Don Eisenberg volunteered to help.

Following discussion on the hangar party the Raineys invited Airventurers to during the Camarillo Air Show, Cliff Busick moved to give them $200.00 from Airventurers to help defray the cost.  Claudio Losacco 2^nd.  PASSED.  Al Lane will contact the Raineys regarding this offer.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:33 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorraine Simansky

Secretary Pro Tem

The minutes of the April 30, 2011 board meeting, taken by Lorraine Simansky, were read by Bernie Harris. The minutes were approved and accepted as read.

Treasurer’s Report: Gene Korney reported that we had $21,384 in the bank, of which $13,246 was in escrow for three fly-ins, leaving roughly $8,100 available.

Dinners: Marv said that only 20 attended the May 19 meeting. The next meeting, June 21, will be at the Valley Inn again, He had reservations for only 18 so far, but 2 additional Airventurers signed up during his report. The Bijou Grill was suggested as a venue, but it is not available on Tuesdays. Don Eisenberg has a speaker available for September of October at the Valley Inn only, and it was proposed to use him for October for now. Jim Barton voiced his concern about participations at dinner meetings, with costs for dinners being a consideration. Mountain Gate was discussed also, and it was noted that it is more expensive there, was subsidized by the Club and the quality of the food came into question. It was suggested that the address of the venue for dinner meetings should be noted in the Flyer each month.

Sunshine: A card was sent to Arnie Nelson. Mariette Coolidge passed her Private Pilots exam.

Safety: Claudio Losacco said that his Diamond got a new engine for almost $30K.

Website: Claudio was commended for his publishing the last issue of the Flyer in Judy’s absence. Joel is looking into Word Press and is working with Judy on this.

Membership: Al wants to be informed of persons of interest for membership.

Fly-ins: Mike Savage reported that the May 20 Sacramento Fly-in was a success, with the enjoyments of the train ride, the BBQ and the Capitol visit. Jim Barton said that the June 24 McMinnville/Portland Fly-in is sold out, and the 5 hour cruise will be going up river instead of down river, due to the heavy flow being experienced now. Al said that the Camp Pendleton Fly-in was moved from July 15 to July 21-22. We fly into Oceanside, bunk at the Ramada Inn, will have a cocktail party, can eat at the Jolly Roger and can go to the Cape Cod Village after dinner. We will be at the front gate of Camp P. by 8:45 am. The Marines will conduct the tour and lunch is included. Yoni Boujo will be hosting the August 13 picnic. Joel Kirschner is doing the September 24 Grand Canyon Fly-in and already has 8 couples with room for 2 more. An added attraction could be the Glass Walk on the south side of the canyon. The September Board meeting was changed to September 17.

Speakers: Al deferred to New Business.

Old Business: Al said that we have only one letter opener left to give to speakers. Don said that he has the information about where we got them before. He will procure more if they are under $20 a piece and will order 24 if the price is right. Jim moved and Don seconded motion to authorize Don to buy 24 letter openers if they are less than $20 a piece, and motion passed. There are only 5 hats left. Don said that Brian did the hats before. Bernie moved, 2nd by Jim to authorize Don to procure 24 hats, and motion passed. Al then talked about his birthday party.

New Business: Al spoke of a letter of dissatisfaction he received from a member who faulted our dinners, our social hours, fly-ins and speakers. Al felt a reevaluation was in order, and the floor was opened for discussion. Flying down to Mexico was brought up. Bernie wondered if we should continue with his airplane fines. Marv suggested that we ask the writer of the dissatisfaction letter for his views on how to make things better. Joel presented some statistics on our members, appealing for things to keep us going in the future. Jim felt that we should focus on discussing past fly-ins to those who didn’t go. Joel wondered if having free food events in a hangar might bring in new people. Jim wondered if we should have more one day trips, and possibly one dinner meeting a year where everyone brings a pilot guest.

The next Board meeting will be at Signature Aviation on July 30, 2011, with lunch flying out to Camarillo afterwards, weather permitting. Lorraine Simansky will take the minutes in Bernie’s anticipated absence for that meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:09 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernie Harris, Secretary

Board Meeting Minutes
April 30, 2011

Airventurers Board Meeting

April 30, 2011

The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by President Al Lane at Van Nuys Airport’s Signature Aviation. Present were Board members Al Lane, Marv Rifkin, Gene Korney, Joel Kirschner, Cliff Busick, Jim Barton, and Claudio Losacco. Also present were Lorraine and Dan Simansky, Jeanne Lane, Judy Rifkin, Don Eisenberg, Gunter Seibold, Wally Krause, and Gene and Bonnie Barlowe.

The minutes of the March 26, 2011 Board meeting were read and approved as corrected.

Treasurer’s Report: Gene Korney reported we have $11,726.00 in the bank with $2,249.00 of that for fly-ins, leaving $9,477.00 available to spend. Following a discussion on collecting or refunding money from participants for a fly-in, Jim Barton moved that if the shortage is $5.00 or less per person the club will cover it, and if the money left over is $5.00 or more per person the club will
return the excess. Cliff Busick 2nd. Passed.

Dinner Meetings: Thursday, May 19 will be at the Valley Inn with Don McMullen as our speaker. Marv Rifkin will be in town and will preside in Al’s absence. The consensus was that the Bijou Grill is a good location for future dinner meetings. Tuesday, June 21 will be at the Valley Inn with Charles Sternberg speaking about the Predator. July and August will be dark. September, October,
and November will be at the Valley Inn.

Sunshine: Jim Barton informed those present that Arnie Nelson had foot surgery and is recovering at home. Judy will send him a card. Al Lane passed around two thank you notes he received from Arnie after Becky’s death.

Safety: Claudio Losacco told about a problem he and Kelly Bakst recently had at Camarillo Airport with the engine and oil pressure on the 8 Ball’s Diamond 8 plane.

Website: Chris Samojen has moved to Austin, Texas. Joel Kirschner has volunteered to take over as Webmaster, assisted by Judy Rifkin.

Membership: Don Eisenberg and Judy Rifkin have each met someone who may be interested in the Airventurers, and their names were given to Al Lane to be included on the email list.

Fly-Ins: Jim Barton indicated he has one room available for the June 24 McMinnville/Portland fly-in. Gene and Bonnie Barlowe have graciously volunteered to have an open house at their Washington home following this fly-in. Let them know if you will be stopping by. Friday, July 15, Al Lane is arranging a fly-in to tour Camp Pendleton. He indicated our start time for the tour is flexible, but it will be over at 2:00. Various questions and several possibilities were discussed. Al indicated some things still needed to be worked out. Yoni Boujo volunteered to be in charge of the August 13th club picnic in Santa Barbara. Joel Kirschner indicated he had 4 committed to attending the September 24th fly-in to the Grand Canyon. He only has 10 rooms (covered wagons) reserved.

Speakers’ Gift: Al indicated he had one letter opener left. Following a very brief discussion, he will order more.

Old Business: After discussion on procedures for fly-in hosts, Gene Korney will send out refund checks to participants of a fly-in in which a boat trip was canceled. In the absence of Judy Rifkin, Claudio Losacco volunteered to do the June Flyer. Since Al Lane will also be on a trip at that time, he will not write a president’s message, but will leave that space available for Claudio to fill. Al indicated that if there are events, other than club events, members may enjoy let him know; and he will send an email to the membership.

New Business: Al Lane talked about the Camarillo air show to be held August 20-21. The EAA will no longer be in charge of it. Instead it will be the Camarillo Wings Association. Pylon racing –called an air race demonstration – will be introduced at this event. Airventurers can get involved in this air show by volunteering a team to blow up one of four pylons needed, perhaps as a competition with three other teams. Let him know if you are interested in being on this team.

There is no board meeting in May; and the next board meeting will be June 18, a non-standard date.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorraine Simansky
Secretary Pro Tem

Board Meeting Minutes
March 26, 2011

President Al Lane opened this meeting at Signature Aviation at Van Nuys Airport at 10:14 am.  Present were Board members Al Lane, Marv Rifkin, Bernie Harris, Jim Barton, Cliff Busick, Mike Savage and Joel Kirschner.   Also present were Gene Barlowe, Lorraine and Dan Simansky, David Snyder, Fred Stewart, Jeanne Lane, Don Eisenberg, Gunter Seibold, Lois Savage, Evan Binn, Yoni Boujo and Sadie (Joel’s Wonder Dog).

The minutes of the February 26, 2011 board meeting were read by Bernie Harris.  The minutes were approved and accepted as read.

Treasurer’s Report:  Al Lane said that he had not received a report from Gene Korney.  A discussion ensued about how monies left over from fly-ins should be handled.  (See New Business)

Dinners:  Marv said that the April 21 dinner meeting at the Bijou Grill will run $27 per person, but there would be lots of entrée choices and a free glass of wine.  Our speaker will be John Colliver, an aerobatic pilot.  May 19, a Thursday, will be at the Valley Inn with our Don McMullen speaking.  June 21 will be at the Valley Inn again, with Charles Steinberg talking about the Predator aircraft.  Bernie suggested we consider having Tony Bill speak some day, and several other potential speakers were also suggested.  Al said that he had quite a list of potential speakers now.  There will be no July meeting, as attendance for that month has been very low generally in the past.  Cliff suggested instead an informal dinner at Gene Barlowe’s hangar in Camarillo, or possibly a breakfast get-together with no speaker in July for those who might want to attend..

Sunshine:  Judy Rifkin was in Florida.  Don sent a plant for Becky Nelson’s funeral, for which he paid $92.  Jim Barton moved to make up the difference from our treasury to Don from the $75 authorized last month, 2nd and passed.

Safety:  No report.

Website:  No report.

Membership:  Don said that 3 people had not renewed as yet, but then it was reported that the Singers did pay.  Menza is forthcoming, and Jule Lamm is not flying anymore, but may possibly renew.  His C-182 may be available for sale. We are still waiting on an application from Chris Berke.  Don Carroll is now a cold lead.

Fly-ins:  Cliff reported that the March 19 Palm Springs Fly-in was successful and that there may be some rebate to participants forthcoming.  Some thought a rerun in a future year might be better if held in a different month.  Someone found that Banning Airport had cheap fuel on their return flight.  There was discussion about an accident last Sunday.

On April 16, Claudio is hosting the Harris Ranch Fly-in.  May 20, the Samojens are doing Sacramento.  Jim is doing June 24-26 to McMinnville and Portland and could use a co-host.  He reported that he had 5 rooms filled, but several checks and reservations came in during his report.  Joel said that he was going to do a fly-in to the north rim of the Grand Canyon – 3 nights at a lodge which has a private airport.  He said that it would be expensive, but all activities and amenities would be included, free of extra charge.

Speakers:  Al said that he had already addressed the subject.  Don suggested the Fire Department at Van Nuys Airport as a possible presentation.

Old Business:  Al brought up dog transportation flights, much like Angel Flights.  He will put something in the Flyer about the dog flights.

New Business:  Al’s potential speaker, Tom Glasgow, the manager of Tehachapi Airport, is still on tap, as is Judy’s visit to the Autry Museum Sky Dreamers.  Joel’s Chico-Ranchero is still a possibility.  Al discussed reimbursements to officers for expenses out of pocket.  Gene Barlowe suggested using the present protocol of $10 per person for shortages or overages as to reimbursements to participants, or having the Club pay for expenses up to $10 per person.  Officer’s expenses will continue to be covered.  Al informed all about a Fly-in Movie Night at Oceano Airport on April 30, 2011 as an additional event for members.  Also at Oceano will be PGA Day (Promoting General Aviation)on May 14.  The promoters would like to give a presentation to the Airventurers.  A discussion about saving airports ensued.  As Judy will be gone in June, someone is needed to put out the Flyer for that month, or we can just skip that month, or we can combine May with June.  That last suggestion was accepted.  There will be no May 28 board meeting, as both Al and Marv will be gone.  Mike Savage suggested a collage of aviation songs for the Holiday Party and make it a game.  Gunter will be reimbursed for his $20 expense for a German American check bounce fee.

The next Board meeting will be at Signature Aviation on April 30, 2011, with lunch flying out to California City afterwards, weather permitting.  Lorraine Simansky will take the minutes if she can in Bernie’s anticipated absence for that meeting.  The meeting was adjourned at 11:44 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Bernie Harris, Secretary