Page 1 of 7 pg. 1 The Ultralight-Sport Pilots of America Newsletter Published monthly by the Ultralight-Sport Pilots of America, Perris Airport, Perris, CA Website: wwwultralightsquadron.org JANUARY 2018 USA OFFICERS LARRY PRESTON President (951) 834-3022 RAY EICHLER Vice-President (909) 732-3049 JIM FARTHING Secretary (760) 630-0250 JOHN MOCK Treasurer (714) 525-9613 Make checks out to: EVUPA Mail dues to: 1216 W Wilshire Av Fullerton, CA 92833 ABDUL LOZANO Sergeant-At-Arms (909) 557-8427 JIM FARTHING Ultralog Editor RICHARD LEFEBVRE Webmaster President s Message Hello Fellow Members, Happy New Year Everyone! Wow! Where did the last year go? 2017 went by pretty quick and, come to think of it, we had a busy year. For the most part we accomplished the goals that were set for that year. We had an opportunity to participate in the Riverside Airport Air Show in March. However, because of circumstances beyond our control, we could not find any aircraft available for a display. Better luck in 2018. Our April Fly-In was a huge success with the majority of the members participating in the flying competition. Awards were given to the best Ultralight and Light Sport aircraft. as well as to those who placed 1 st, 2nd and 3 rd in the competitions. The food was cooked to perfection by our master chef Leo Minnie and everyone enjoyed telling tall flying stories (all true of course) and making fun of each other. Throughout the year our airpark was transformed from looking so-so to one that makes every member proud. Ugly sheds and trash were removed as well as an overall clean up of the airpark. In addition, a permanent cover for the clubhouse patio was installed. During the summer Mike King with the assistance of Frank Mamone and John Kratz installed two new windsocks at the airpark. To the membership s surprise, Mark Carnighan donated his ultralight and hanger to the club. But wait! That s not all! Bob Chase also donated his aircraft to the club. WOW! Thank you, Mark and Bob!
Ultralight Squadron of America January 2018 Page 2 of 7 President s message continued from page 1: Plans have been made to totally remake our airpark with a new access road and runway that includes an extension. And finally, after a flooding mishap, the clubhouse and wood deck were leveled and new support stands were installed. Not bad for one year. However, none of these projects could have been completed if it wasn t for the dedication of our club members. Your involvement and commitment was the center point in accomplishing these goals. I wish to thank everyone for his or her support to our club. NOW IT S ON TO THE NEXT YEAR! YES, WE HAVE NEW GOALS!!!! And boy do we have a lot of them! Are you excited? I HOPE SO! And with no further delay, here they are: We have been invited to participate in the March Air Force Base 100 year Anniversary Air Show! Is that cool or what? The air show is set for April, and we are allowed to display four aircraft and an information booth. More info will be coming soon. The remodeling of our clubhouse is under way! Now that the clubhouse is level, we can begin making repairs and upgrades. I am optimistic we will complete the project by the end of February. As they say in the commercials, you ll like the way it looks. Yes, we have talked about all the changes to the airpark. Well, I can assure you we are pursuing the changes as diligently as possible. Pat Conatser, the airport owner is committed to making the changes. When we start depends on when the materials, equipment and manpower are available. We love airshows! Going to March is a monumental event, but what about the local open house/air shows in the Inland Valley? Let s plan to attend as many as possible to let aviation enthusiasts learn about our club. Did we say auction? Plans to auction the donated aircraft are currently in the works. If everything goes smoothly we should be ready to sell them by mid-february or maybe earlier. If you thought last year s April Fly-in was a hit, just wait for this year. It s going to be better than you can imagine. Make sure you don t miss this one. Other events will be planned as the year progresses, and don t forget about the monthly competition. Remember, it s not that the competition isn t important; of course it is! But it s also important that we re learning to fly safely and increase our skills and confidence. I don t know about you, but I m flat tired just reading about all the stuff we have planned for this year. It s nice to make plans for the future, but remember some of them happen, and some of them don t. What makes the difference is the involvement of the membership. Statistics show that in general less than 20% of club members do 100% of the work. We need to change that! I need everyone in our club to commit to being involved in at least two if not all of the above events. The old saying is true, the more you get involved, the more fun you have. So this year step up to the plate. Not only will you enjoy the results of your labor, but also you ll have a fun time doing it. The success of our club depends upon you. On behalf of our Board members, I wish you a happy and successful flying New Year! Until then see ya in the air! Larry Skycop Preston
Ultralight Squadron of America January 2018 Page 3 of 7 ULTRALIGHT SQUADRON OF AMERICA USUA CLUB #005, PERRIS, CALIFORNIA MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING December 2, 2017 The Secretary called the meeting to order at 11:00 AM. Officers present are Larry Preston, President, Ray Eichler, Vice President, James Farthing, Secretary, John Mock Treasurer, and Abdul Lozano Sergeant-At-Arms. Abdul Lozano led the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence for those no longer with us. Individual introductions were made by members and guests. Visitors: Multiple for our annual Club Christmas Party OFFICER REPORTS President Welcomed members and guests and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Secretary Jim Farthing called for a motion from the floor to approve the November Minutes as published in the Ultralog. The motion was made, seconded and approved. Treasurer John Mock presented the status of the Club treasury to date; a motion from the floor to approve the Treasurer s Report was made, seconded and approved. Sergeant-At-Arms Abdul Lozano reported the status of the airport as good. OTHER REPORTS Calendar Review Jan 6 Club Meeting Top Gun Award for 2017 Feb 3 Club Meeting December Competition There are two competitors First Place to Mike Porter 7 pts and Second Place to Bryon Harmon 5 pts. NEW BUSINESS Stan Hauxhurst Award recipient Bob Chase received a plaque from the President, Larry Preston and a hearty round of applause from the members and guests. Club picture was taken. Meeting was adjourned at 11:20 AM Recorded by James Farthing II, Secretary 12/13/2017
Ultralight Squadron of America January 2018 Page 4 of 7 An Ultralight Pioneer has flown west One of aviation s Ultralight Pioneers passed away on November 30, 2017. Ronald Lewis Gonci died from Leukemia at his home in Hemet, California. With him were his sister Scottie and his closest friends. Ron was born on September 22, 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio. While at a young age, Ron and his family moved to Torrance, California where he grew up. After graduating from South Torrance High School in 1968, Ron continued his education by attending Long Beach State. Ron s interest in aviation came from his father, Ladislaw who worked for American Airlines. On several occasions, Ron would accompany his father to watch him work on the planes. It was in his late teens and early 20 s that Ron s passion for aviation began with hang gliding. One of the favorite places to hang glide was on the California coastal cliff of San Pedro. In the mid-70 s Ron became associated with Dick Eipper, owner of Eipper Performance and began working for Eipper in 1974. Ron s contribution to ultralight aviation began in the late 70 s when Eipper developed a weight shift hang glider driven by a small motor. Working with Eipper, the hang glider evolved into a self -propelled ultralight and the Quicksilver MX was born. Ron continued to work for Eipper and was credited in developing a high performance wing for the MX. While working for Eipper, Ron became an expert in designing the wing and control surfaces by using Dacron fabric as a covering. Ron s talent allowed him to design the covering or sails in various patterns and colors without compromising its strength or integrity. Ron left Quicksilver and worked for Ultralight Systems in Laredo, Texas in the late 80 s. While there, Ron was not only known for his craftsmanship in ultralight sail making but also for some of his antics. At times, Ron would fly his ultralight from Laredo to Mexico and back undetected. However, on one occasion Ron returned from Mexico only to find the US Border Patrol waiting for him at the airport. Ron was concerned he would be arrested but was glad to find out they were interested in using an ultralight for patrolling the border. Shortly after their visit Ron decided to stop flying to Mexico. Ron returned to California in 1990, and with the help of some of his best friends opened the Ultralight Store in the city of Perris. By then Ron s reputation as an expert in ultralight design and sail manufacturing was known internationally. He was also involved in various aviation activities as well as providing valuable information concerning wing and fabric designs to local ultralight manufactures. Ron moved the Ultralight Store to Hemet-Ryan Airport in Hemet in 1996 where it is currently located. Shortly after the tragic events of September 11 th, Ron was approached by Homeland Security to conduct a series of flights with an ultralight. Ron would fly a designated flight pattern while Homeland Security would identify and track the ultralight engine noise. Thus a system was developed to intercept any ultralights entering the US illegally. Ron was well respected in the aviation community not only for his contributions, but also for his passion to help others enjoy flying. Ron greeted everyone equally and always placed others needs before his own. He would share his experiences and expertise with anyone who needed it and at times would assist in building or repairing ultralights or light sport aircraft.
Ultralight Squadron of America January 2018 Page 5 of 7 Ron was willing to push the performance of his own ultralight by making various flights to the San Diego area with his friend Brant von Hoffmann. On one occasion they both landed in US Marine Corps Camp Pendleton on the way to Oceanside. When questioned by the Marine Corps authorities, Ron explained they landed to refuel and would leave immediately. He and Brant were allowed to leave to continue their flight. There are countless stories and praises for Ron s contribution to the ultralight community and to aviation in general. He was known throughout the world as one of the leading sail makers for ultralight and light sport aircraft. His protégé Holly Muck plans to continue his legacy at the Ultralight Store. His sister Scottie Stier, nieces Amie Zack and Angela Gonci, great nieces Holly Ramstead and Savanna Hoffman and nephew-in-law Sean Ramstead survive Ron. Ron will be truly missed, but his legacy as a pioneer in the ultralight community will live on. A celebration of life commemorating Ron s life will be held at the Ultralight Store at Hemet-Ryan Airport in March of 2018. Larry Preston 2017 Club Christmas Party
Ultralight Squadron of America January 2018 Page 6 of 7 JANUARY 6 MEETING FEBRUARY 3 MEETING MARCH 3 MEETING APRIL 7 MEETING / Perris Club Annual Fly-in MAY 5 MEETING-NOMINATE OFFICERS 25-27 BRIAN RANCH? JUNE 2 MEETING / VOTE NEW OFFICERS JULY 7 MEETING / INSTALL NEW OFFICERS AUGUST 4 MEETING / PROPOSE BY-LAW CHANGES SEPTEMBER 8 MEETING / VOTE BY-LAW CHANGES OCTOBER 5 MEETING/NOMINATE STAN HAUXHURST NOVEMBER 3 MEETING / VOTE STAN HAUXHURST DECEMBER 1 CHRISTMAS PARTY/PRESENT STAN HAUXHURST AWARD Next Club Meeting is Saturday, January 6
Ultralight Squadron of America January 2018 Page 7 of 7 James Farthing 1614 Quiet Hills Dr Oceanside, CA 92056 www.ultralightsquadron.org Next Club Meeting Saturday January 6 Please submit any information, events, things to brag about, funny anecdotes, etc. to be included in the next issue of the Ultralog by April 15 Send them snail-mail to : Jim Farthing, 1614 Quiet hills Dr., Oceanside, CA 92056 Or email to: farth001@cox.net and put ULTRALOG in the subject line. The ULTRALOG can be viewed online at www.ultralightsquadron.org