M eadow Lak e Airport - C o l o r a d o S p r i n g s, C o l o r a d o. Pike s Peak Flyer. The Voice of EAA 72

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1 M eadow Lak e Airport - C o l o r a d o S p r i n g s, C o l o r a d o Pike s Peak Flyer The Voice of EAA 72 May 2013 Member Profile : John Lingwall By Mike Jerger, Membership Director I recently had the pleasure of visiting John Lingwall and his wife, Janet, recently in their residence. As this visit was primarily to talk about John and his various interests, Janet did not mind when we went into John s shop and hanger and closed the door behind us. I am finding this is normal behavior whenever and wherever I show up for a visit. John is on the Board of Directors for EAA Chapter 72. He assists planning upcoming events, makes good recommendations, plays an outstanding role in the Young Eagles program, and displays his aircraft from his hangar once in a while. He will open his vast memory of experience to anyone who asks a technical or building question. He is the friendly, talkative type without being pushy. And he can fly as weather permits either of two high-wing aircraft with engines or one graceful sailplane. YOUNG EAGLE RALLY Date: Saturday, March 25, 2013 Location: Due to construction will hold at the end of Cessna Drive Schedule: Ground Support please meet at the MLAA Hangar at 7:00 AM. We ll need to transport stuff to the new site and set up signs and directions for parking, walking, etc. Questions contact Sandy Pilots please plan to be at the site for briefing by 8:00 AM. Questions Contact Lee Wolford (Back) More information inside page 5 Next Meeting Off Airport Continued on page 2 Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 Program: 3D Printing - Brian Christianson will demo the art of making a 3D solid object of virtually any shape from a digital model. See how this might help you with your projects Where: Brian s home Chiming Bell Circle, Peyton, CO Time: Carpool from MLAA Hangar by 6:45 PM to reduce the number of cars

2 PAGE 2 (Continued from page 1) It turns out that John has about as varied a background as most people could wish for. His interests focused in four areas (for this visit, there are probably more interests that we did not touch upon). One of the first things I noticed upon entering his small-scale hobbies room before entering the hangar is evidence of a variety of interests. The first devices that catch my eyes are various radio items and electronic test bench equipment. A typical airplane builder and owner does not have the number nor range of items he has. There are voltmeters, radio transponders of different types, audio and radio frequency generators, and a unique Bendix CRT oscilloscope. That had to be really expensive when it was brand new. Also, I noted that he has a First Class FCC Radiotelephone License framed on his wall. Very few guys ever pass the Government test to obtain one of those. I also have an electronics background, and we both understand electronics technology lingo, so I asked him about that. So what is with all the equipment in his shop? It turns out some of it was replaced by his employer with newer items at his current job and he obtained it through trading something else or paying for it outright. If you know what you are looking for, this is a good way to obtain some very useful equipment. It turns out that a good number of years ago, John demonstrated a strong proficiency in technical math. Not the engineering level stuff that engineering students use with advanced calculus to describe a square wave as a Fourier series description (neither could I). But he could talk fluently about the insides of a television, incoming signals, frequencies, and a favorite of anybody who has had to work with the old-time television screen tubes, the flyback transformer. Woo Hoo! These voltages start at around 25,000 volts, enough that if touched by accident, could send the repairman flying across the room. And get hurt badly when he slams up against the PIKE S PEAK FLYER THE VOICE OF EAA 72 Member Profile : John Lingwall wall. (Don t let a rookie engineer get near one of those things!) So John spent a lot of time studying for that FCC exam and passed it. That was a requirement for graduation from the technical school he was attending at the time. Among all the other people in his class, he was the only one who got the First Class FCC Radio- Telephone License. So he was the only one who graduated on time. He is kind of proud of that. That license started him well in a career path. He used it as a step to his own radio station in Hutchinson, Kansas (At that time, they were few and far between.) And he spent 34 years as an electronic technician with the FAA and spent a year or so with the Wyoming Air National Guard. Pass that example to a youngster feeling his way around in this world, wondering how to get started in life. It is a proven good combination. Then we chatted about a variety of other topics: the radial engine of the C-46, the radial engine of the P- 47 and how pilots would hide behind it on a target run, the Navy F-8 Bearcat, the Navy Corsair F4U with its gull wing and stubby landing gear and why it was designed that way. And the Cessna contribution to the Air Force inventory. It was nicknamed the Tweet ; it was the Air Forces most efficient way to turn JP-4 into eardrum shattering noise. (They were at Peterson AFB until the late 1970 s or so.) John mentioned a gentleman named Corky Fornof. From Corky, John became a certified parachute packer, passed the Government exam and all. Anyone need a parachute packed? His infamous HyperBipe is no longer with John; someone else is flying it. If you have never seen it, look it up on the Internet. It is just an amazing design, very simple, yet flew so very well. Ask John about that sometime. He can describe what he did with that plane far better than I can. (Continued on page 3)

3 MAY 2013 PIKE S PEAK FLYER PAGE 3 Member Profile : John Lingwall (Continued from page 2) Then we started talking about the second most obvious items in his room: radio controlled airplanes. There was a sailplane, multiple engine airplanes, and a couple of line control airplanes. The radio controlled airplanes were his favorite. There were a few hanging from the ceiling, a few are in storage, and a few more under construction. Some were built for speed and some were built for slower fun. He was into RC flying pretty heavily, based upon his conversations of various locations he flew both in Colorado and in Arizona. These items are not toys, but a scaled version of a real airplane s flight characteristics. They can climb out impressively, loop, roll, fly out of sight if the pilot is not careful, and can crash (See some Internet videos of you want to see model airplane crashes. Like full-size airplanes, crashes can produce total wrecks.) Radio flying has been around for a long time and just like full-size airplanes, radio technology has improved. John pointed out that from not-too-long ago, only one transmitter could be on if a given fixed frequency was in use at a model airplane airfield. A second transmitter could hijack the flying model s controls. The result in short order usually meant the flying airplane crashed. But with today s radio systems, frequency hopping greatly decreases the chance of his airplane being taken over by an unwary amateur. (Frequency hopping is also known as frequency skipping.) The RC engines got my attention. One particular engine is a 5-cylinder radial engine, maybe 12 inches in diameter, yet to be mounted on a quarter-scale model. That is one nice looking engine! Another engine on which he has an oversized model airplane prop is a 25 cc lawn trimmer engine. I have heard they can also pull some quarter-scale models in their own right. After a while of this chat, we moved out into the hangar where he kept his white and red Maule and the bright yellow Cub. They both are obviously well kept. There is no evidence of any past scratches in the fabric fuselage nor tail sections, let alone any tears. There are no oil drips. They are intact and appear ready to roll out the door to the runway. Off to the side is an extensive library of publications set neat and orderly in a few rows of storage shelves. A small working and repair area containing fundamental equipment and plastic bottles of various sizes nuts and bolts is also neat and orderly. (Unlike my own shop.) We started talking about the structure of the airframe. I have a particular interest in the wing framework. I asked if a wing could be somewhat modified from published plans. He wisely advised against it. If the aircraft is in production, chances are high the design is solid and proven to be good. (Continued on page 4)

4 PAGE 4 (Continued from page 3) I noted both airplanes had a horizontal stabilizer of the 2-part design; the leading half is fixed relative to the fuselage and the back half deflected to maneuver the airplane. I had seen this advised before in writing: Take some clear plastic packing tape two or three inches wide, and bridge the gap between the two halves, allowing plenty of slack for movement. John said the improvement in response was amazing. The airplane s personality clearly took a turn for the better. PIKE S PEAK FLYER THE VOICE OF EAA 72 Member Profile: John Lingwall my airplane. As unassuming and unadvertising as his manner is, he should be considered to be an expert builder and handler of small airplanes. As my visit grew longer, John permitted me to see some out-of-sight storage rooms. He kept pieces of history in those rooms, something I never knew. He has a few very unusual musical instruments, some of which I have never seen before. Without me going into detail about them here, ask John about them sometime. He knows a lot more about music than most guys I know will ever hope to learn. We talked of the pros and cons of solid rivets and pop rivets in the wing. We talked of making your own wing ribs and he pulled out a few books published by the EAA how to make your own ribs and even your own wings from flat pieces that can be ordered from Aircraft Spruce. None of it appears to be rocket science, but does take attention to detail and perseverance. We talked of what it takes to become a better pilot. It is well known that a good pilot never stops learning from every flight. But to accelerate that education, he advises to learn how to pilot a glider. With go-arounds not an option while in a glider, the pilot learns quickly how to control his energy and speed while in flight. If speed is more your style, learn how to do powered -airplane aerobatics. It may help someday to know what to do if your airplane for some reason, decides to start a barrel roll if caught in unexpected turbulence. John says to not fight with the stick. Instead, once a roll has started, recognize it for what it is. Take control and continue in the direction of the roll and simply complete it and resume control of the airplane. While that makes sense, I have never heard nor read of that follow-through philosophy before. Now I know better. After a few hours of talk, I had to call it an evening. His hospitality was top-class. And he left me reassured that if I had any questions whatsoever at any time, he would be an excellent source of building and flying knowledge. When you are at a meeting or a Saturday event, start a conversation with him and you will soon learn for yourself what I mean. From Woodmen Road: North on Meridian Road West on Rex Rd South on Chiming Bell Circle Chiming Bell Circle Program: 3D Printer Demo Please try to start at MLAA Hangar to carpool. So now I am convinced that John is a very credible source of advice and wisdom when I continue with

5 MAY 2013 PIKE S PEAK FLYER PAGE 5 It s early but not too early to start thinking about the Chapter Elections in December. I d like to encourage all of you, especially if you have never served, to say yes when one of the nominating committee members calls as asks to include you in the list of nominees. We re planning to have the nominating committee in place by September. So expect calls from then through October. Richard and Sandy will be travelling more after May 2014 so we ll need to elect a new President at a minimum. We have a wonderful membership that has grown from a handful of builders to a thriving group that contributes greatly to aviation and this community. Don t hesitate just because you are new. In some ways, that s better you re forced to get to know everyone. So, start thinking. If you d like to be a nominee or a member of the nominating committee, please contact Tony Nesse, Secretary (back cover) Time is nearing for the AEFCO Summer Flight Experience and the prepare to introduce more young people to aviation. The biggest expense for this program is the flight time, so if you would like to help meet those costs, please complete the donation form below and send with your check. All the money goes to help students become pilots.

6 PAGE 6 President s Message June 8th Work Party - We need to do some cleanup around the hangar for the planned MLAA Open House after the construction. PIKE S PEAK FLYER THE VOICE OF EAA 72 We ll start working at 9:00 AM. Plan to stay until about 2:00 PM. My contact info is on the back of the newsletter. Please let me know if you can come help and what you can bring. Let me know if you are interested in any of the assignments and if you have tools/equipment that you can bring along. Work assignments: Raise and secure the window behind the bookcase. Complete paint in the kitchen Install flashing on all of the window outside Paint exterior and a minimum the trim Plumbing in the kitchen Install the dishwasher (maybe) Tools/equipment: Ladders Cutters for the flashing Hammers/screws/screw guns/ drills Paint pans, brushes, etc Don t forget gloves, safety glasses, caps, and sunscreen for yourself. Young Eagle Profiles We ve started displaying the Young Eagle profiles in the MLAA Hangar. Why are the profiles needed? To create a wall of information for parents and Young Eagles to read before or after their flights. Who should send them? All Young Eagle volunteers pilots including glider pilots, all ground support. If you have not sent yours, please it or bring it to a meeting or other event. See you, Sandy May 21st, Tuesday 6:30 PM Chapter Meeting May 18, Sat Armed Forces Day Fly-in/Drive-in, Pueblo, CO ( May 18-19, Sat/Sun Rocky Mountain Light Sport Aircraft Expo Front Range Airport ( ) May 20-25, Mon-Sat Joe Kuberka Air Tours through Grand Canyon ( May 25th, Saturday 8:00 AM Young Eagles Rally June 18th, Tuesday Chapter Project Tour 6:00 PM June 19 28th, Aviation Education Foundation of Colorado, Inc (AEFCO) Summer Program June 22nd, Saturday MLAA Airport Open House

7 MAY 2013 PIKE S PEAK FLYER PAGE 77 CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS 1962 Mooney M20-C Looking for partners or outright sale. Everything new or rebuilt from firewall forward. Updated panel; 10 outside and inside. Oshkosh winner twice. Reduced price $55K Contact: Ray Miller (719) Thank you for supporting these EAA Chapter 72 members! A Travel Advantage Joan Spratford, Owner (719) (800) Fax (719) EXECUTIVE MEADOW LAKE AIRPORT MARK S. SHOOK = mark@meadowlakeairport.com 8484 Cessna Drive Peyton, CO Cell (719) Office & Fax Jerome Limoge, M.D. Senior Aviation Medical Examiner 2020 North Academy Blvd Suite 155 Colorado Springs, CO Peltor Aviation Headsets (719) (719) fax for Sale: Two Peltor headsets, one ANR and one passive. Both are operable and in good condition, approximately 10 years old. Peltor 7004 passive headset, $40; Peltor 7104 ANR, $80; Both, $100. Contact: Bob Hall mobile: (719)

8 MEA DOW L AKE AIRPORT - COLOR A DO SPRINGS, COLORADO Sandra Martin Newsletter Publisher 7505 Mallard Drive Peyton, CO Phone: (719) wemartin@sprintmail.com Visit our website: Next Meeting Off Airport Tuesday, May 21, 2013 Chapter 72 Officers President: Sandy Martin ssmartin2@fedex.com Vice President: John Lingwall hiperbipe@falconbroadband.com Secretary: Tony Nesse tonynesse@gmail.com Treasurer: Sandy Martin ssmartin2@fedex.com Membership Chairman: Mike Jerger michaeljerger@hotmail.com\ Director: Vann Norred vann@pikespeak.net Young Eagle Coordinator: Sandy Martin ssmartin2@fedex.com Young Eagle Pilot Coordinator: Lee Wolford leefly@sprynet.com Newsletter : Sandy Martin ssmartin2@fedex.com Webmaster: Bob Hall robjhall@comcast.net Technical Counselors/Advisors: Fred Carter - Engines John Lingwall About Our Chapter Flight Advisor: Burrall Sanders EAA Chapter 72 meets at Meadow Lake Airport. Meetings start at 6:30 PM on the 3rd Tuesday of each month with a Chapter cookout the following Saturday most of the warm months April November. Look for the calendar of events to highlight special chapter events like Young Eagle Rallies, fly-outs, and all other chapter sponsored activities. The Chapter Newsletter is published monthly, normally mailed and available on the website a few days before each meeting. Readers are encouraged to contribute articles, photos, etc. by submitting them to the Newsletter Editor in hard copy , pen/ paper, as long as it s not verbal by the first Saturday of each month. Annual membership is $20. Send to Sandy Martin, at 7505 Mallard Drive, Peyton, CO and start receiving the newsletter each month, attending the meetings and having a great time with sport aviation.

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