KSGF News
April 2002

President’s Message

Back in February, Larry warned me that he may be in South Dakota for about 90 days. That meant that I would oversee the meetings. Then he told me that the trip was delayed, to which I gave a sigh of relief. Not that I feared being in front of the chapter members. Actually I kind of enjoy it. Now I find that Larry is on the trip and forgot to tell me. No big deal. The part he failed to tell me was that I would also have to write a MESSAGE for the people.

I always thought I would like to write articles like my cousin, Earl. I appreciate his words and his thoughts. I find that putting my thoughts on paper can be a challenge. We all do things and never give a thought of how we do them or if we had to - explain to others, logically and coherently how or why.

Now, having this responsibility of writing a short letter, I sympathize with all the writers who seem to effortlessly express their ideas. I know that the more you write, the easier it should be.

Sort of like making that perfect landing. I know that each time I am on short final, I thinking about my airspeed, descent, sight picture, winds and power settings. I remember the last few landings and how they were good, bad or ugly. Then as the ground approaches ever closer, I concentrate on the task at hand - putting this beast on the tarmac smoothly and softly so the passengers will remember this flight as a good one. Of course, I come close to the perfect squeaker but not exactly. There is a slight thud and then the nose touches and we slow to make the turnoff. As we taxi to the hangar, I say to myself - NEXT TIME I will make another perfect landing.

So I will keep practicing to do better the next time.

Tom Holmer, Vice President

This month's MPA Chapter meeting is Tuesday April 16TH at Café SGF, Springfield/Branson Regional Airport. Social hour begins 6:30P.M. Buffet dinner is at 7:00 P.M. Cost is $10.00 per person. (Please RSVP to Larry G. Harmon at (417) 863-6939 by Friday April 12th.) Program: There will be an interesting Program! Come and enjoy!

Calendar of Events

4/18 EAA Chapter 821 Monthly Meeting. Air & Military Museum of the Ozarks, 2305 E. Kearney (Lurvey Plaza) 7:00 P.M. For more information contact President Larry G. Harmon (417) 863-6939 or E-mail EAALHARMON@aol.com

5/3-5 MPA Convention, Ramada Inn, West Plains, MO. Hosted by the South Central Chapter. Plan on attending this years Convention! See our MPA Web Site, http://www.mopilots.org for info.

5/12 MPA Board Meeting, Columbia Regional Airport, Columbia, MO. Board Meets at 1:00 P.M. in old FSS Bldg. All MPA Members Welcome!

Farewell!

It's been a great ten plus years as Editor!
Click on the small picture to see a Hellcat that I flew in 1946 while in the Navy.

Roger