February 2008 Issue # 02
The Pony Express Chapter of the MPA met at 6:30 on Tuesday, January 8, 2008, at the Rosecrans Airport Restaurant. Nineteen members and guest were present.
After dinner, president Kevin Price called the business meeting to order. Billy Ray moved and Bill Bird seconded the motion to accept the minutes of the December meeting as published. Ray Kerns gave the treasurer’s report showing disbursements of $250.00 for an ending balance of $5,682.48.
The increase in membership goal for the Pony Express Chapter is 20%. As of the beginning of the meeting we had reached an increase of 18%. During the meeting, Les Nelson turned in the membership form for 2 more members which put us at our 20% goal.
Kevin reminded us of Aviation Day which will be February 20. Anyone wanting to attend must sign up in advance to be admitted into the reception at the Governor’s Mansion.
Ron Wade gave the following report regarding the status of legislation on user fees. The AOPA remains on the front lines with regards to user fees, and the fight is not over until President Bush signs a workable bill rejecting user fees. After intense lobbying efforts by the AOPA during 2007, the House approved the rejection of user fees and approved an increase in general aviation fuel tax from 19.3 to 24.1 cents and an increase in jet A fuel from 21.8 to 35.9 cents per gallon. The Senate did not approve this proposal. The Senate Finance Committee approved a similar bill with fuel tax increase only to jet A and a $25.00 user fee. In 2008 the AOPA is again going to request our support to eliminate the $25.00 user fee. Be alert and get involved in stopping the approval of a user fee. If user fees are approved, general aviation will be dramatically affected.
Ron also announced that Executive Beach was bought by Signature. They are now charging a ramp fee of $27 for single engine planes which is waived with a 7 gallon or more fuel purchase and a $60 ramp fee for twin engine planes which is waived with a 30 gallon or more fuel purchase. They are giving a 50 cent per gallon discount for Angel Flights.
Kevin introduced our speakers, Jody Barker and Dan O’Hern, who are involved in aviation financing through the First Community Bank of Clinton and North Kansas City.
Respectfully submitted,
Kay Cameron, secretary
REMINDER: If you are interested in attending the reception at the Governor’s Mansion on Aviation Day, you need to make a reservation. Contact Kevin Price or Billy Ray.
On January 15, 2008, the Noyes Elementary School "Boys to Men Club" received Young Eagle rides at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. John Wachtel is the coach of this group. Les Nelson provided the airplane rides. The students had lunch at the Airport Café and went on a tour of the air traffic control tower. City Council Woman, Joyce Star, arranged the event.
The Young Eagle Program is sponsored by the EAA. The goal of this program is to expose young people to the aerospace industry as a possible career field.